Église collégiale Saint-Martin

English translation

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History

This church was dependent on Saint-Martin de Tours. It consists of a vessel terminated to the east by a sanctuary with a semicircular apse. The main vessel is divided into two unequal parts by a doubleau whose interior jambs, very prominent, clearly define the separation. The first part constitutes the present nave. The second part constitutes the choir. This arrangement dates from the beginning of the 16th century. Under the sanctuary is found a crypt with three naves comprising two bays vaulted with groin vaults on projecting arches. In the axis of this crypt and behind its chevet exists a second crypt, communicating with the first by a door. Originally, the entrances to the crypt opened onto the choir but were closed later. In front of the nave, on the west face, rises a tower whose ground floor forms a porch. A central door gives access to this porch and to the church. All of this part dates from the 14th century, except for the upper storey of the tower, rebuilt in the 16th century. Apart from the crypt and the sanctuary, the building underwent numerous alterations. The nave, in particular, appears to have had aisles now disappeared. The lateral walls were pierced in the 16th century with various openings, made through the old Romanesque windows.