Église de Saint Hilaire de Riez

The church of Saint-Hilaire is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture, with its pointed arches, rib vaults and symmetrical, regular layout.

Dedicated to Saint-Hilaire, the bishop of Poitiers who evangelised the region in the 4th century, the original church was built in 1025. Its location was approximately the same as today, and it was adjoined by a priory. The Wars of Religion took their toll on the building in the 16th century. In 1609, it was decided to build a bell tower, and between 1650 and 1676, three altarpieces were placed in the choir and side aisles. Baroque in style, these altarpieces depict two scenes from the New Testament (Descent from the Cross, in the choir; The Last Supper, south aisle) and a representation of shipwrecked sailors imploring the Virgin and Child (north aisle).
In the 19th century, a second restoration campaign was undertaken - only the bell tower and the earlier altarpieces remained. At the time, the absolute reference was the Middle Ages. Construction methods therefore drew on Romanesque and Gothic styles (arches, vaults, etc.), while retaining the monumental spirit of the 19th century. This gave rise to neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic buildings.