{"id":7729,"date":"2024-04-04T08:05:43","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T06:05:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/visit-collegiale-saint-martin-angers\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T09:26:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T08:26:42","slug":"visit-collegiate-church-saint-martin-angers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-collegiate-church-saint-martin-angers\/","title":{"rendered":"Collegiate church of St Martin (Angers): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Visiting Angers? We recommend a visit to the Coll\u00e9giale Saint-Martin. Over a thousand years old, the church is steeped in history and beauty! Join us as we discover its archaeological and artistic treasures. Its rich cultural program and typical Anjou architecture are sure to amaze you!<\/p>\n\n

Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to the Coll\u00e9giale Saint-Martin in Angers.<\/p>\n\n

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This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Is a visit to the Coll\u00e9giale Saint-Martin worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, we recommend that you visit this site. It's one of the city's best activities<\/a>. In the heart of the town center, just a stone's throw from the famous Ch\u00e2teau d'Angers<\/a>, the collegiate church is not only the oldest church inAngers<\/a>, but also one of the best-preserved Carolingian monuments in France!<\/p>\n\n

We were struck by the finesse of the works housed here, and by its distinctive Anjou Gothic architectural style, which echoes that of Saint-Maurice Cathedral<\/a>. Every spring, the venue opens its doors to live entertainment. Why not visit the collegiate church at the same time, and take part in the Resonances Saint-Martin event?<\/p>\n\n

\"Interior\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

What you can see<\/h2>\n\n

A facade combining history and modernity<\/h3>\n\n
\"Front\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

We were intrigued by the facade of the collegiate church, which combines modernity and history. The contemporary reception building contrasts boldly with the medieval style of the church facade.<\/p>\n\n

Sarcophagi from the Middle Ages<\/h3>\n\n
\"Sarcophagi\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Immerse yourself in the area's past as you contemplate sarcophagi found during archaeological digs. The collegiate church is home to dozens of them!<\/p>\n\n

A vast nave<\/h3>\n\n
\"Nave\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

We were seduced by the lighting effects, which highlighted the framework and the great stone arches of the nave.<\/p>\n\n

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WHERE TO STAY IN Angers<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Downtown, to enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.H\u00f4tel L'Oisellerie<\/strong> - see photos and availability<\/a>Hotel 21, Foch<\/strong> - prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the surrounding countryside, for greater peace and quietHotel Ch\u00e2teau des Forges<\/strong> - see photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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See our reviews of the best hotels in Angers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The sacristy and its history<\/h3>\n\n
\"Sacristy\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

The sacristy revealed the secrets of the collegiate church's history through a variety of objects.<\/p>\n\n

Remains of the first buildings<\/h3>\n\n
\"Cut<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Admire the magnificent carved stonework that bears witness to the church's rich history.<\/p>\n\n

Models of the building<\/h3>\n\n
\"Models\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Various models trace the construction of the collegiate church through the ages. We had fun looking at the building in miniature!<\/p>\n\n

Remarkable statuary<\/h3>\n\n
\"Statues\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

The collegiate church is home to some exceptional statuary. We admired some remarkable and unique statues of the Virgin and Child.<\/p>\n\n

Illustrious graves<\/h3>\n\n
\"Tombs\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Graves of illustrious medieval figures punctuate the visit. The beautiful simplicity of the stonework touched us.<\/p>\n\n

The choir in Anjou Gothic style<\/h3>\n\n
\"Vault\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Look up and admire the choir's magnificent curved vaults, typical of the region's architectural style, Anjou Gothic.<\/p>\n\n

The Chapel of the Angels<\/h3>\n\n
\"Chapel\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Two angels enthroned on columns give the chapel its name. Take a closer look at the details and colors of the two statues!<\/p>\n\n

Finely crafted wall decor<\/h3>\n\n
\"Wall<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

The collegiate church boasts an exceptional mural decor, displaying complexity and finesse. We were impressed by the delicacy of the motifs.<\/p>\n\n

The archaeological crypt<\/h3>\n\n
\"Crypt\"\/<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Go deeper into the bowels of the site and contemplate the first foundations of the church. We've travelled all the way back to the 6th century!<\/p>\n\n

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OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n