Candes-Saint-Martin

Visit Candes-Saint-Martin, Loire Valley

Candes Saint Martin is a listed 'most beautiful village of France' found ten kilometres south-east of Saumur in the Indre-et-Loire department of the Centre (Loire Valley) region. The village 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 (who gave his name to the village) arrived here secretly towards the end of the 4th century, destroyed the existing 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.

Exploring Candes Saint Martin

The best way to approach the 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 fortified collegiale church and the chapel Saint Martin, which dominates the village. The church was built in the 12th century, although much of the decoration was added three centuries later.

It 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. When I visited 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.

Above the village there are some troglodyte cave dwellings set in the cliff.

Attractions nearby

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.

Photos of Candes-Saint-Martin (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Candes-Saint-Martin: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Candes-Saint-Martin, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chateau de Saumur 13km; Chateau Chinon 13km; Chateau du Rivau 22km; Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau 30km; Oiron Chateau 31km; Crissay-sur-Manse 32km; Thouars 34km; Chateau de Villandry 36km; Moncontour, Vienne 37km; Bauge 39km; Aubigne-sur-Layon 40km; Chateau de Brissac 43km; Chateau du Lude 49km; Tours 51km; Angers 55km; Chateau d'Angers 56km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Candes-Saint-Martin

Candes-Saint-Martin tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Collegiale Church (Candes-Saint-Martin) - religious monument (0km) : Abbaye Notre Dame de Fontevraud (Fontevraud Abbey) - religious monument (4km) : Loire-Anjou-Touraine - regional natural parc (4km) : Montreuil-Bellay - recommended detour (19km) : Loudun - recommended detour (22km) : Les jardins du château du Rivau - remarkable garden (24km) : Prieuré de Notre-Dame de Cunault (Chenehutte-Treves-Cunault) - religious monument (27km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Chenehutte-Treves-Cunault) - religious monument (27km) :

French version: see Candes-Saint-Martin (Francais)