Southern Burgundy Romanesque ChurchesLaives Saint Martin Church

On a hill overlooking both the valleys of the Saône and Grosne is the Romanesque church of the village of Laives - Saint Martin. This unique location offers views of both the flat land of the Saône plan and the rolling hills of the Grosne Valley. The bell tower of Saint-Martin is viewable for miles around, including the nearby A6 Autroute.

Built during the11th century Saint Martin is surrounded by trees, green grass, gravestones (one dating from 1664) and of course wonderful views. Its architecture is typically Romanesque, the design is simple, the only curves on the exterior are found in the apse (head the cross behind the altar), the bell tower is directly over the altar, the walls are supported by large pillars joined to them and the head of the cross points east.

Saint Martin forms an asymmetrical cross with the left side of the cross being thicker. This is the result of the many modification made over the centuries, notably at the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th centuries when three chapels were added, two the left and one to the right. Hence the asymmetrical cross. Saint Martin also suffered some damage during WWII when bombing during the battle of Sennecey Le Grand destroyed its front porch and side priory. In 1905 Saint Martin Church was declared a national monument.

Saint Martin Church is located just off the N6 national road between Chalon-sur- Saône and Tournus. Once in Sennecey Le Grand follow the D18 and after passing under the Autoroute turn right and go up the hill.

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