Église de Sainte-Marie

The current neo-Gothic church at Sainte-Marie dates from the late 19th century. It was probably the monks of Saint-Philbert de Noirmoutier who first evangelised the site of Sainte-Marie, as indeed did the entire Pays de Retz coastline. The old abbey was completely demolished in the 17th century.

A priory that became an influential abbey

Despite numerous invasions up until the 11th century, the priory survived and was established as an abbey in the 12th century.
Sainte-Marie Abbey reached its apogee in the 14th century.
It then had 13 priories, including Saint-Pierre du Clion, Saint-Gildas de Haute-Perche, Rohars, Guermiton de Frossay, Pornic, Saint-Laurent de Bourgneuf, Saint-Martin de Chauvé, etc.

However, following a series of conflicts and the gradual abandonment of the site by the monks, the abbey was demolished in the 17th century.
The conventual buildings occupied the present-day Sainte-Marie parish church and gardens.
Remains of the cloister and pieces of the capitals could still be seen in the early 20th century.


Works in the church of Sainte-Marie

However, two works of art from the distant 14th century still remain at Sainte-Marie.
Both are in the new neo-Gothic church:


the tombstone of Guillaume des Bretesches
and the statue of Notre-Dame de Tabernacle.



To consult the days and times of masses in the parish of Notre-Dame de la Côte de Jade, click here.


The little extra :


You can explore this religious building on your own by following the heritage trail through the village of Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer.