Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church visitor guide
Visit Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church, France
Photo Gallery Book a visitThe collegiale church of Candes-Saint-Martin is an important church in the centre of the village of Candes-Saint-Martin, which is in the heart of the Loire Valley and on the banks of the Loire river to the east of Saumur.
Explore the collegiate church of Candes-Saint-Martin
France This Way review: this church is quite remarkable because of the architecture and its many statues and carvings from medieval times
Saint-Martin was originally a bishop in the town of Tours who died in 397 AD, and after his death many pilgrims were attracted to Candes, including several Kings. As a result, a church has stood here since the end of the 4th century, although nothing remains of that ancient structure.
In the 9th century the local monks established a settlement here and ruled the village on behalf of the Archishop of Tours. It was at this time that the earliest parts of the church we see today were built, although most of the church was built in the 12th century and additions and transformations continued until the 15th century.
Among the most important changes were those that took place in the 15th century, after the Hundred Years War, when the church was fortified. This included the addition of towers, a staircase along the edge of the roof (that you can see from the side of the church), and a watchtower.
Several restorations have also taken place over the last 500 years, including a significant amount of rebuilding after part of the roof collapsed during an earthquake in 1711: this is when the belltower was added to the centre of the church and explains why parts of the interior are in a different style from the main church.
The style of the church has several names, with 'gothic plantagenet' the most common, after the lords who once controlled the region. Others include 'gothic angevin' (named for the historical region where Candes-Saint-Martin was situated) and 'western gothic' because it is a style associated with the west of France
The front of the church is quite simple, but made interesting by the two rows of statues that decorate the facade. Although many of these are defaced, and in several places you see the original stone blocks that were never carved you can still see many statues of the saints.
The most remarkable feature of the collegiate church in Candes-Saint-Martin is the entrance and the porch, which is on the north wall (not the west side, which is more common). Inside the porch there is a single column that helps support an elegant ribbed vault ceiling, as well as another row of statues along the wall.
The west side is also interesting, with rows of columns and blind arches as well as small statues incorporated below the cornice along the wall.
Although the inside of the church is less remarkable than the entrance porch, you can see several statues, tombstones and stained glass windows, paintings and an altar.
Attractions nearby
You can explore the village of Candes-Saint-Martin - listed among the most beautiful villages in France - and walk along the river to the village of Montsoreau, dominated by the Chateau of Montsoreau which is now a Museum of Contemporary art.
The towns of Saumur and Chinon are both close to Candes-Saint-Martin and both have interesting town centres and chateaux to explore.
See more churches in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Indre-et-Loire guide and the Loire Valley guide.
Photos of Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church
Click any picture to start the gallery
.jpg "statues (2)")
Arrange a visit to Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church
Reserve excursions
Book hotels, car hire and flights
Hotels in Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church and places nearby
Visit near Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church with France This Way reviews
Candes-Saint-Martin
In the village of Candes-Saint-Martin, a 'most beautiful village in France', you can see the Vienne river, a medieval collegiale church and a lovely viewpoint
Candes-Saint-Martin guide
Montsoreau
Montsoreau, listed as a 'most beautiful villages in France', also has an interesting troglodyte vilage to explore
Montsoreau guide
Fontevraud Abbey
The Fontevraud Abbey has a great deal to see: it is one of the largest abbey complexes in France and most visited abbeys in France
Fontevraud Abbey guide
Chateau de Saumur
The Chateau de Saumur stands in an impressive location with views across the Loire river
Chateau de Saumur guide
Saumur
The town of Saumur, in the shadow of the famous castle, is a lovely historic town along the banks of the Loire River
Saumur guide
Chinon
As well as the castle, Chinon has a very impressive medieval centre to explore and lovely river views
Chinon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Indre-et-Loire
The French version of this page is at Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church (Francais)