Languages spoken
- French
Opening
All year round, daily.
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Eglise de St Martin s/Arve
ancienne route impériale
74700 Sallanches
France
45.940986, 6.642379
This small church, rebuilt in 1681, harmoniously combines the Baroque decor of the 18th century with the Neoclassical elements of the 19th century. On the altarpieces or the vault, sculpted and painted angels are present, enhancing the artistic richness of the place.
Saint-Martin Church, rebuilt in 1681, reflects the evolution of artistic styles, blending Alpine Baroque from the 17th century with Neoclassical touches from the 19th century.
From the outside, its modest façade gives little hint of the treasures within. A statue of Saint Martin, the protector of travelers, stands above an arched portal, while the square bell tower rises gracefully.
Upon entering, you'll be struck by the colorful frescoes adorning the vaulted ceilings and the sculpted and painted angels watching over the sanctuary. The interior design, rich in detail, combines elements of regional folk Baroque with the more rigid additions of the 19th century.
The main altarpiece, with its twisted columns from the 18th century, houses 19th-century statues, including one of Saint Francis de Sales. Behind it, an impressive painting illustrates the legendary generosity of Saint Martin as he shares his cloak with a poor man, set against the backdrop of the Saint-Martin-sur-Arve bridge and church. This painting, gifted in 1828 by local residents who had emigrated to Paris, symbolizes the deep connection between the church and its community.
The church also features treasures such as the pulpit sculpted by a local artist, altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, and late Baroque details that will delight lovers of religious art.
Don’t miss this historic and emotional site, where every detail tells a part of the village’s soul.
From the outside, its modest façade gives little hint of the treasures within. A statue of Saint Martin, the protector of travelers, stands above an arched portal, while the square bell tower rises gracefully.
Upon entering, you'll be struck by the colorful frescoes adorning the vaulted ceilings and the sculpted and painted angels watching over the sanctuary. The interior design, rich in detail, combines elements of regional folk Baroque with the more rigid additions of the 19th century.
The main altarpiece, with its twisted columns from the 18th century, houses 19th-century statues, including one of Saint Francis de Sales. Behind it, an impressive painting illustrates the legendary generosity of Saint Martin as he shares his cloak with a poor man, set against the backdrop of the Saint-Martin-sur-Arve bridge and church. This painting, gifted in 1828 by local residents who had emigrated to Paris, symbolizes the deep connection between the church and its community.
The church also features treasures such as the pulpit sculpted by a local artist, altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, and late Baroque details that will delight lovers of religious art.
Don’t miss this historic and emotional site, where every detail tells a part of the village’s soul.
History, culture and heritage
First church in the Mont-Blanc region to be restored, in 1681, in the Alpine Baroque style of the 17th century.
This artistic movement reflected the major principles of the Catholic Reformation, as established during the Council of Trent (1545-1563).
This religious building was consecrated in 1688 by Monsignor Jean d’Arenthon d’Alex.
The parish was organized as early as the 13th century—or even earlier—around the bridge, a key crossing point to the left bank of the Arve: Sallanches and the Val d’Arly.
Originally, the village was called Saint-Martin-du-Pont.
The patron saint of the area, Martin of Tours (316-397), was invoked in Savoy for the protection of travelers and frequently used structures.
The Baroque-style facade, featuring a Serlian (triple window), includes a rounded arched portal topped by a statue of Saint Martin of Tours and a square bell tower crowned with a polygonal spire.
Do not be deceived by the simplicity of the exterior architecture—step inside to discover its intimate treasures!
On either side of the side entrance are four funerary steles of priests who served in Saint Martin.
Dedicated to Saint Martin, this parish church was built on a Latin cross plan with a square choir, a flat apse, and a nave with two bays.
Its interior furnishings (altars, altarpiece, pulpit) appear to follow a late Baroque tradition from the 1820s.
The south transept houses the altar of the Virgin and Child, while the north transept features the altar of Saint Joseph and the pulpit.
The furnishings combine elements of regional folk Baroque with pieces altered or added in the 19th century, reflecting a more rigid Neoclassical style.
The vaults are adorned with beautiful frescoes.
The twisted columns of the main altarpiece, dating from the 18th century, dominate the sarcophagus-shaped altar. Its niches house 19th-century statues, including one of Saint Francis de Sales.
Observe the central painting behind the altarpiece, depicting the story of Saint Martin. This work stands out for its remarkable detail: it portrays the scene within the setting of Saint-Martin-sur-Arve itself. Saint Martin is shown on horseback in front of the village’s bridge and church, sharing his cloak with a poor man.
Dated 1828, this painting was donated by villagers of Saint-Martin who had emigrated to Paris. It thus illustrates the theme of the Charity of Saint Martin.
Above all, God the Father, portrayed as a kindly elder, accompanied by the dove of the Holy Spirit, seems to emerge from a cloud filled with cherub heads!
The pulpit, sculpted around 1861 by Laurent Baud, an artist from Morzine, has lost its sounding board. However, its hexagonal basin still displays the scene of Jesus among the Doctors and three of the Evangelists.
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