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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.

Visit Candes-Saint-Martin, France: travel, tourism, gites and hotels

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Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Candes Saint Martin

See the Visit Candes Saint Martin section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Candes Saint Martin car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.

 

Places to visit - Candes Saint Martin

• Candes Saint Martin, Centre Most beautiful village
• Chateau Chinon Chateau
• Chateau de Saumur Chateau
• Chateau du Rivau Chateau
• Fontevraud Abbey, Centre Renowned abbey
• Montsoreau Most beautiful village, Pays de la Loire
• Thouars Medieval town, castle
• Saumur Loire valley town

Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)

 

Information and photos of Candes Saint Martin, France

This Candes Saint Martin tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 

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Candes Saint Martin : Indre et Loire : Centre