Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: La Vienne

Candes-Saint-Martin lies at the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire and is considered to be the place where St Martin died in a monastery he founded himself in 397. The pilgrimage church of Saint Martin stands on the site of the house where he died. Based on the architecture, sculptural decoration and iconography, it is likely that the collegiate church was donated around 1180 by King Henry II of England, who ruled the area at the time. It was built at the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th century.

Already the Romans knew this place, as here was a ford, where the Vienne could easily be crossed. The Roman Via Publica crossed the river here. In the 9th century Nouatre was a fortified village, securing this passage. Later the Knights Templar had a "commanderie" here.