The following text was translated and adapted from a post at the Fondation du Patrimoine website.
Overlooking the Thouet valley, this tufa stone vessel was built in the early 16th century to house the remains of the de la Trémoille family - to whose château it is attached - as well as a choir of canons. A sumptuous example of Renaissance Gothic, the collegiate church is a privileged architectural witness to the history of the viscount family and the great periods of history it has lived through.
The collegiate church has not been spared the shocks and effects of time. On the facades, the condition of the Tuffeau facing has deteriorated to such an extent that a safety perimeter has been set up in front of the western portal to prevent falling stone. To ensure the safety of the surrounding area and enhance the value of this remarkable edifice, it is now necessary to undertake a general restoration of the facades, enabling the masonry to be reinforced.
"Don't forget me!" This motto of Jean I de la Trémoille, an eminent member of the Viscount de Thouars dynasty, could easily be applied to the collegiate church of the family château, whose facades now need to be restored. The collegiate church belongs to the Society of St. Pius X, which is today mobilizing all its faithful to safeguard this emblematic site of the town of Thouars.
The Ville de Thouars and the Communauté de communes du Thouarsais promote the region's architectural heritage. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is open to visitors as part of the Thouars, Ville d'art et d'histoire program.
To make a donation, visit this page.
Watch this inspiring short video (in French only):
