Candes-Saint-Martin
Candes Saint Martin ('most beautiful villages of the Loire') is found 10 km south-east of Saumur in the Indre-et-Loire department of the Centre (Loire Valley) region.
Tourist Information and places to visit
Candes Saint Martin sits on the banks of the Vienne River, at the confluence with the Loire River, on a small hill with beautiful views across the surrounding countryside. Saint Martin arrived secretly in the village towards the end of the 4th century, destroyed their pagan temple (although some remains of the earlier building can still be seen) and converted the residents. When he died in the village he was laid to rest in what is now one of the chapels in the church.
The best way to approach this village is by walking from the neighbouring village of Montsoreau. Both villages are classified as ’most beautiful villages of France’ and one really merges into the other.
The highlight of Candes-Saint-Martin is the chapel Saint Martin which is especially known for the many statues that decorate its facade, and for the stained glass windows tracing the story of the relics of Saint Martin. The church was built in the 12th century, although much of the decoration was added three centuries later. When I was there taped choral music was playing and added to the atmosphere inside.
The main village lies between the church and the Vienne River, and has an attractive old centre, with some pretty streets and houses to explore and admire. Built in the lovely white stone of the area and with grey slate rooves the slightly austere look is softened by the fine detail given to some of the stonework and the plants springing up from every available spare bit of ground.
Don’t miss the walk along the Chemin du Panorama to the viewpoint above the village. This gives you a great view of what is a particularly beautiful stretch of the River Loire. (You can also see the first Nuclear Power station built in France (1957)
The walk from Candes Saint Martin to Montsoreau is very popular and pretty, and the Abbey Fontevraud is nearby and not to be missed.
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Visit Candes-Saint-Martin (Centre, Indre-et-Loire) travel, gites and hotels
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Tourist Classifications for Candes-Saint-Martin
- Most beautiful villages in France
Places to visit near Candes-Saint-Martin, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Candes-Saint-Martin.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
22 km: Chateau Chinon (castle) 20 km: Chateau de Saumur (castle) 23 km: Chinon (Town of art and history) 7 km: Fontevraud Abbey (Renowned abbey) 27 km: Moncontour, Vienne (small town) 10 km: Montsoreau (Most beautiful village) 20 km: Saumur (Loire valley town)
See also Candes-Saint-Martin (version Francais)
