Candes-Saint-Martin: Loire Landscapes, Heritage and Art

In Candes-Saint-Martin, landscapes, architectural history and art come together. The Loire and the Vienne form a striking focal point, while historic buildings and paths tell the story of how the Loire has been used and of the history of the town. On your trip, you can explore these different aspects individually or combine them.

The Loire and Vienne as a landscape setting

Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau form an almost continuous built-up frontage. It stretches along the limestone slope from the Loire and its harbours up to the cultivated plateau. The area where the Loire and Vienne meet, which includes Candes-Saint-Martin, is also classified as a protected landscape site. The classification was made by decree on 17 September 2021.

Le Panorama is a freely accessible picnic area at the top of the tuff slope in Candes-Saint-Martin. From there, you can enjoy far-reaching views over the confluence of the Vienne and Loire. The site combines a viewpoint with a place to take a break outdoors. The confluence was also once home to a port for fishing and inland navigation. This former use adds the history of work on the water to the views of the river and its banks.

Buildings and local history

The Collégiale Saint-Martin was built in the 12th and 13th centuries on the site where Saint Martin died in 397. The Ancienne maison canoniale also reflects medieval architecture: its façades date from the 12th century and feature round-arched arcades. The building is partially protected as a historic monument. The two buildings offer contrasting features: a church associated with Saint Martin on the one hand, and the arcades and façades of a former canon’s residence on the other.

The Ancien château des Archevêques de Tours was a former fortified summer residence of the Archbishops of Tours. Construction began in 1485 and was completed in 1520 and 1527. The protection of the Moulin-cavier du Puits Saint-Michel covers the entire structure; it was listed as a historic monument on 2 February 1993. These details give you specific points of reference when exploring the town’s different buildings: their functions, dates of construction and protection statuses all differ.

Art, routes and activities along the Loire

In Candes-Saint-Martin, the Street Art Parc brings together contemporary art, nature, heritage and urban planning. The five-hectare park, with its old trees, sits above the Loire and features 60 monumental works of art. The number of works and the park’s operation may change; check the latest visitor information when planning your visit. As an artistic stop, the Parc is part of the La Loire à Vélo route.

The signposted Boucle vélo n°43 “Entre Anjou et Touraine” cycle loop also passes through Candes-Saint-Martin. It is 17 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 30 minutes. Signage and conditions may change; check them before your ride. The route provides a useful reference for planning your time, but should not be taken to indicate a walking time or any additional route details.

The “When there were sailors on the Loire” discovery trail runs from Montsoreau to Candes-Saint-Martin and introduces the history of the Loire barge workers. The accompanying booklet is available for €1 at the Maison du Parc and can be downloaded free of charge from the Regional Park’s website. If you plan to get the printed edition in person, check its availability in advance.

The Regional Park’s canoeing information also lists the La Chapelle-sur-Loire–Candes-Saint-Martin route under the title “La marine de Loire”. Access to the river depends on conditions and applicable regulations. The “météo des oiseaux” is available from the Castors candais in Candes-Saint-Martin; check whether this offering is available before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Chemillé-Sur-Indrois, Cangey, Tauxigny, Avon-Les-Roches, Descartes, Beaulieu-Lès-Loches, Artannes-sur-Indre, Saint-Jean-Saint-Germain.

For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.