Saint-Martin de Tours Basilica

The church of Notre-Dame-la-Riche dates mainly from the 15th century, but the origins of the building are very old. Texts attest to the existence of this church dedicated to Notre-Dame-la-Pauvre as early as 920. The church has been rebuilt several times. It has been known as Notre-Dame-la-Riche since 1141. All that remains of this church is the crypt of Saint-Gatien, which is outside the plan of the present church. During the Revolution, the church was used for the manufacture of saltpetre. It was returned to worship in 1798. The first restoration of the church was carried out between 1818 and 1820. The church was restored and partially rebuilt by architect Gustave Guérin between 1860 and 1866.

The first construction was initiated in 340 by Saint Lidoire, the second Bishop of Tours. In 561, the church was destroyed by fire. Gregoire de Tours had it rebuilt from 570 onwards. In the 12th century, Bishop Hildebert de Lavardin (1125-1134) undertook the reconstruction. The operation was completed around 1150 but a fire damaged it heavily in 1167. A new reconstruction project was launched, but it was not until 1547 that the church was completely completed.

The church of St. Symphorien was first mentioned by the Frankish king Charles the Bald (843-877) in 852. In the 11th century, the population increased, which made it necessary to build a larger church. Three parts were therefore built, which still exist today: the apse, the bay and the stone bell tower. The church underwent a major reconstruction in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. Until the 18th century, the church of St. Symphorien was always under the control of the abbey of Marmoutier.