L'église Saint-Martin

The church of Saint-Martin is particularly famous thanks to the film Le Grand Chemin, shot in the summer of 1986. It dates from the early 20th century and was designed by architect Joseph Nau. It replaces the former church of Saint-Martin, which is thought to have been built in the 17th century.

Priory from the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, as early as the 11th century, writings mention a priory in Rouans (Rotohenge) founded by the monks of Saint-Serge Abbey in Angers. It was at this time that the first church, dedicated to Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours, was built. A 19th-century painted wooden statue of him is located in the choir of the present-day church.

The second church, built later, dates from the 17th century. It was in danger of falling into ruin at the end of the 19th century. The decision to build a new church was taken in April 1893, and the purchase of the land followed.


Highlights of Saint-Martin church

The foundation stone was blessed in 1901. On 10 April 1904, the first high mass was held, with the blessing of Émile Rouard, Bishop of Nantes.
The church was built in the flamboyant Gothic style by Nantes architect Joseph Nau, grandson of the famous diocesan architect Théodore Nau.

The stained glass windows were installed in 3 stages:


in April 1929, when the church celebrated its 25th anniversary, eleven windows were blessed: those in the choir (representing the life of Saint Martin of Tours) and those in the chapels.
In March 1942, the large flamboyant rose window was installed by Félix Razin, a master glassmaker from Nantes. It is imposing in its colours and dimensions.
In 1955, the five stained glass windows in the large north-east window were installed.


The baptismal font, which was in the old church, dates from the 18th century.

The gilded metal reliquary, dating from 1950, contains the relics of Anne Françoise Moreau. A local girl born in Rouans in April 1866, she became a nun and was martyred in China in July 1900, along with six other Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. She was beatified in 1946 (Blessed Marie de Saint-Just) and canonised on 1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

The bell of the former church of Rouans, "Justine", weighs 600 kg and replaced the bell of the previous place of worship. The latter had "died while ringing for the commemoration of the dead" on All Saints' Day. Justine was a gift from Mme Maudit du Plessix, a generous donor who lived in the Château de la Vignauderie.

To consult the mass times for the parish of Sainte Anne - Françoise en Retz: click here
The parish of Sainte Anne - Françoise en Retz comprises eight churches: Saint-Mars-de-Coutais, Port-Saint-Père, Rouans, Vue, Sainte-Pazanne, Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, Arthon-en-Retz and Chéméré.