Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours

Perched on a picturesque hilltop in the charming town of Six-Fours-les-Plages, the Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours, also known by its original name, église Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens de Six-Fours-les-Plages, stands as a testament to centuries of history, faith, and architectural splendor. This historic church, classified as a monument historique in 1840, is the last remaining structure of the old village of Six-Fours, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the region's past.

The History of Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours

The story of the Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours is one of resilience and transformation. The original Romanesque church, oriented east-west, was constructed in the 12th century. This part of the church, now known as the southern section, is characterized by its simple yet sturdy architecture, built with regular limestone from Évenos. The Romanesque section includes a barrel-vaulted nave and a lower, similarly vaulted apse, ending in a flat chevet.

In the late 15th century, as the village's population grew, the Romanesque church proved too small to accommodate the faithful. The community decided to expand the church according to the plans of the Marseille architect Guillaume Borelli. The result was a new Gothic church, oriented north-south, which was integrated into the existing Romanesque structure, requiring the demolition of the northern aisle of the original church. The first stone of this new edifice was laid in 1608, and it was consecrated on June 5, 1634, by the Bishop of Toulon, Mgr Auguste de Forbin.

In 1650, the church was elevated to the status of a collegiate church, a decision that brought about significant changes. A chapter of eleven canons and a dean was established, and an impressive set of sixty stalls was installed in the choir, along with a grand organ above the entrance door.

Exploring the Romanesque Section

The Romanesque section of the Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours is a marvel of medieval architecture. Measuring 25 meters in length and 15.9 meters in width, it features a barrel-vaulted nave leading to a lower apse. This section includes several chapels, each with its own unique history and character.

The Chapel of Sainte-Catherine, also known as the Chapel of the Infant Jesus, corresponds to the former right aisle of the Romanesque church. It houses a primitive altar and a stone bearing the arms of Jean Denans, a royal notary in Six-Fours from 1660 to 1714.

In the choir, visitors can observe a semi-circular wall discovered during excavations in 1965. Initially thought to be the apse of a primitive 5th-century church, current archaeologists believe it to be a robust foundation necessitated by the site's sloping and uneven terrain. The choir also features a monolithic blue limestone altar, possibly from the 5th century, though this is not definitively proven. Flanking the altar are niches that once held the Eucharist and other sacred items, now containing a 17th-century statuette of the Virgin and Child and a 16th-century wooden statue of Saint Paul.

The Chapel of Sainte-Madeleine, the former northern aisle of the Romanesque church, contains an altar similar to that in the Chapel of Sainte-Catherine, adorned with a statue of Saint Madeleine kneeling before a Bible and a skull.

At the western end of the Romanesque nave lies the Chapel of Sainte-Philomène, where a circular water retention basin, possibly a reconstructed baptistery, can be found. The chapel also houses a polyptych painted by Ludovico Brea between 1520 and 1523, depicting various saints and religious figures in a stunning display of Renaissance artistry.

The Gothic Expansion

The Gothic expansion of the Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours is a striking contrast to the Romanesque section. This part of the church features a single nave, 9 meters wide, divided into four bays with ribbed vaults. The pentagonal apse, supported by robust exterior buttresses, houses the main altar made of white marble from the late 19th century. Behind the altar is a wooden retable, polychrome and gilded, created in 1628 by Laurent Lieutaud and Bouchoni, featuring a painting by German artist Guillaume-Ernest Grève depicting Jesus handing the keys to Saint Peter.

The Gothic section also includes several chapels on the eastern side, each with its own unique features. The Chapel of the Carmelites, for example, is a serene space that invites contemplation and prayer.

A Visit to Remember

A visit to the Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours is a journey through time, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and architectural beauty of this remarkable church. From the sturdy Romanesque foundations to the elegant Gothic additions, every corner of this historic site tells a story of faith, resilience, and community. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Six-Fours is a must-see destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.