L' église Saint-Pierre-de-Sales

This Catholic church is distinguished by its majestic 15th-century bell tower. It was listed as a historic monument in 1840. Climbing the bell tower is possible in summer.
Eglise Saint-Pierre-De-Sales
L' église Saint-Pierre-de-Sales
L' église Saint-Pierre-de-Sales

Dates & opening times

Open all days from 01/01 to 31/12 (all years)

Le clocher se visite sur rendez-vous auprès du presbytère. Renseignements au 05 46 85 03 86 plutôt de 15h à 17h.

Descriptif

A primitive Romanesque fortified church was built in the 11th century. This monumental defensive complex, known as the "church-fortress", was surrounded by a moat. The town's relative medieval prosperity was interrupted by the Hundred Years' War. The church, which served as a citadel - the town was not fortified - was repeatedly attacked by the English, and by the end of the war had to be completely rebuilt.



At the end of the 15th century, Saint-Pierre-de-Sales was completely rebuilt. Only the majestic Flamboyant Gothic bell tower remains, which Vauban later described as "one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in France". At 85 metres high, it surpasses many French Gothic towers.



It served as a landmark and lighthouse - lights were lit on the platform to help ships navigate the tricky Maumusson passage between Oleron and the mainland. It also marked the entrance to La Seudre.



In 1602, the town once again had to rebuild its church - the nave of which was completely ruined as a result of the Wars of Religion. These wars, in which Protestants and Catholics bitterly fought over the town, once again forced the inhabitants to use the church as a fortress, receiving numerous cannonballs. Only the bell tower survived the destruction.



A 289-step staircase leads up to the tower's 55-metre-high terrace, from which you can admire a superb panorama of the Seudre, the marshes, the sea and the Ile d'Oléron. Bookings required at the presbytery.

Tracking

L' église Saint-Pierre-de-Sales Rue François Fresneau17320, Marennes-Hiers-BrouageFrance

Itinerary

Characteristics

Utilities
Parking
Public WC
Languages
French
Surroundings
Town location
In the historic centre
Village centre
Visits
Visit possible
Yes
Services for individual visits
Unguided individual tours available permanently
Themes
Religious heritage
Church
Categories
Classified
15th C
17th C

Contact

See number Website

Your data is used exclusively by us to distribute our Information. They are neither shared nor sold to third parties. In conformity with the European and French laws in force, notable law no. 78-17 of 6 January 1978 on Computers, files and liberties, the Tourism Office informs you that you have the general right of access, correction and removal of the entirety of your personal information which we possess. You can exercise your right by contacting: L'Office de Tourisme de l'Ile d'Oléron et du Bassin de Marennes - 22 rue Dubois Meynardie 17320 Marennes, tel: +33 (0) 5 46 85 65 23, fax : +33 (0) 5 46 85 68 96

CAPTCHA