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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Lavau-sur-Loire is dedicated to Saint Martin de Vertou (527-601), an abbot evangelizer of the southern region of the Loire, and not to Saint Martin de Tours. Its initial construction dates back to the 13th century under the impetus of the Notre-Dame de Blanche-Couronne Abbey, making it one of the oldest churches in the region, along with that of Notre-Dame de Bouée. It was largely rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, marking its architectural evolution and its local importance.

In the 18th century, the church received significant donations for its maintenance. In February 1768, two bequests of late parishioners, Françoise Trouillard (100 pounds for a cracked bell) and Martha Audren (220 pounds for repairs), made it possible to finance urgent works such as the replacement of doors. In 1790, a split bell was replaced by the convent of the Cordeliers of Savenay. During the Revolution, the building, transformed into a forage warehouse, deteriorated sharply, with rain infiltrating even inside.

Under the Restoration, Mayor Pierre Picaud and the parish priest Jean-Baptiste Peneau undertook important restorations: roof (1817, 1824), installation of a confessional, a altarpiece for the high altar, and side altars (1826), followed by a pulpit to preach (1828) and a cross path (1846). In 1881, the roof and panel of the vault were replaced, followed by the choir and nave floors in 1889. The church was listed for historical monuments in 1984, but a fire caused by lightning destroyed it on 4 August 1994. It has since been completely renovated.

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