Candes-Saint-Martin (French pronunciation: [kɑ̃d sɛ̃ maʁtɛ̃] ) is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department, central France. It overlooks the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers from a steep hill on the left bank of the Loire, and marks the boundary between the modern departments of Indre-et-Loire to the east, and Maine-et-Loire to the west. It is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association.

Candes-Saint-Martin
View over the Loire
View over the Loire
Coat of arms of Candes-Saint-Martin
Location of Candes-Saint-Martin
Map
Candes-Saint-Martin is located in France
Candes-Saint-Martin
Candes-Saint-Martin
Candes-Saint-Martin is located in Centre-Val de Loire
Candes-Saint-Martin
Candes-Saint-Martin
Coordinates: 47°12′42″N 0°04′27″E / 47.2117°N 0.0742°E / 47.2117; 0.0742
CountryFrance
RegionCentre-Val de Loire
DepartmentIndre-et-Loire
ArrondissementChinon
CantonChinon
Government
 • Mayor (2020–2026) Stéphan Pinaud[1]
Area
1
5.77 km2 (2.23 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[2]
184
 • Density32/km2 (83/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
37042 /37500
Elevation27–101 m (89–331 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Name

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The name Candes is thought to derive from a Gallic word for confluence, and is found in several other similarly sited towns in the region; the termination Saint-Martin was formally added in 1949, although it had been in common usage for many years. Evidence of Gallo-Roman occupation was found in 19th century excavations, particularly in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace which crowns the hill.

The village takes its name - and its main claim to fame- from the magnificent church which has succeeded the 4th century monastery where St Martin, Bishop of Tours and 'Apostle to the Gauls', died in 397.

Population

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Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968 264—    
1975 269+0.27%
1982 268−0.05%
1990 244−1.17%
1999 227−0.80%
2007 222−0.28%
2012 226+0.36%
2017 199−2.51%
Source: INSEE[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 2 December 2020.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
  3. ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE