Saint-Pierre-de-Sales church and bell tower
Dates & opening times
The bell tower can be visited by appointment at the presbytery. Information on 05 46 85 03 86 from 3pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Description
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.
Media files
Tracking
Saint-Pierre-de-Sales church and bell tower Eglise de MarennesRue François Fresneau17320, Marennes-Hiers-BrouageFrance
ItineraryCharacteristics
Charges
Gratuit
Contact
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