Its size catches you off guard before anything else. Rising above the town, this church dominates the skyline of Lorgues and gives a sense of scale you don’t expect in a small Provençal village.

Built between 1704 and 1729, the Collégiale Saint-Martin was designed to accommodate a growing population and replace older, smaller religious buildings. Located in Lorgues in the Var, it stands as one of the largest churches in the department, second only to the basilica of Saint-Maximin.

The architecture is neoclassical and harmonious, with a vast central nave supported by powerful pillars and side chapels running along both aisles. Inside, the contrast is striking: the structure remains relatively restrained, while the baroque high altar adds color and detail with sculpted marble. The 19th-century wooden pulpit is another highlight, finely carved and decorated with religious figures.

The building has lived through major historical shifts, from war and plague to the French Revolution, when it was stripped of its religious function and used as a stable and storage space. Restored over the centuries, it regained its role and today stands as a protected historic monument and a central landmark of Lorgues.

👉 Local Tip: Visit in the late morning when natural light fills the nave, then explore the surrounding streets and market area of Lorgues for a more complete local experience.