Eglise de Saint-Michel

The first church in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef dates back to the 11th century. The current church, built at the end of the 19th century, is well worth a visit for its remarkably colourful and bright stained glass windows, which are particularly worth admiring at night.

Terra de Chevesche" medieval parish

This parish appears in various writings under the name "Terra de Chevesche".
The church is said to have been given to the Abbey of Saint Serge in Angers around 1104.
In the 15th century, the building had two side altars, one dedicated to Saint Blaise, the other to Saint Mathurin.


⛪ Church of Saint-Michel: 19th century

Little historical detail is known between the medieval period and the 19th century.
The foundation stone of the new church was blessed on 1 August 1886.


Exterior architecture


The bell tower of St Michel's church is topped by a statue of the archangel Saint-Michel.
The bell tower-porch is in the forecourt.
On either side of the bell tower, a staircase turret gives access to the middle level, which is lit by a large bay overlooking the square.
Above is the clock of the church of Saint-Michel,
and, probably on the same level, the octagonal bell chamber.
On the four corners of the square entablature on the previous level, small turrets with colonettes complete the angles of the octagon.
Above this is the stone spire, pierced by 4 small windows, giving views of the 4 cardinal points.
Finally, this spire is topped by an openwork lantern, also octagonal in cross-section, topped by a small spire.
The cross of Christ sits atop the whole.




Interior architecture

The church has three naves, a transept and a canted chevet. Two sacristies are attached to the transept arms. The building faces east (façade) and west, and the famous Galettes Saint-Michel biscuit factory is just a stone's throw away, on the other side of the departmental road 96 that runs through the town centre.

Marine motifs decorate the interior, where you can also admire the remarkable set of stained glass windows: on one side, on the left as you enter, you can see the life of the Virgin Mary and on the right the life of Jesus.

To the right of the entrance is the chapel of the dead, and to the left is the chapel of the font.


The little extras:


There's another religious site to discover in the Tharon Plage district. Don't hesitate to visit the Chapelle Sainte-Anne.
Make the most of your time in the market town of Saint-Michel Chef-Chef to discover the delicious, more than century-old history of Galette St Michel by pushing open the doors of the Atelier St Michel shop just across the road. It's the perfect opportunity to take a gourmet break 😋

To find out the days and times of masses at Saint-Michel, click here.