The Collegial church Saint-Laurent is an important religious monument in the town of Salon-de Provence, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department of Provence.
Discover the Collegiate church Saint-Laurent
France This Way review: the Collegiate Church Saint-Laurent is an interesting gothic style church best known for housing the Tomb of Nostradamus, and has several impressive artworks to admire, but is not an indispensable part of a visit to the town
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Although a church has stood in this location since the 11th century, nothing remains of the original structure, which was a much smaller building than the current church. The church was situated outside the original city walls of Salon-de-Provence, so is not situated in the heart of the historic centre of Salon-de-Provence, but a short distance away.
The current building was started in 1344, and took around 135 years to complete the gothic style structure. In part this was because an outbreak of the plague arrived here shortly after work began, and no work could be carried out during this period.
The belltower of the new structure then collapsed at the beginning of the 15th century and there was a 30 year pause before reconstruction started again.
The church that was completed in 1480 is largely the same as the structure we see today. It was then elevated to collegial church status just before the end of the 15th century.
In appearance the church is not extraordinary, very typical of gothic religious buildings built in the 14th century, although it is made more interesting because it is built of red sandstone. The most interesting feature of the outside of the church is the square belltower, with four levels and several decorative elements such as arched windows.
Although the outside of the church appears to have been cleaned and renovated in recent years, the same can not be said of the interior, which is rather dirty and in need of some love and attention, although the tall gothic arches are still impressive.
Features of interest inside the church Saint-Laurent include the "Mise au Tombeau" sculpture in painted wood incorporated into a war memorial, an imposing organ, and the Tomb of Nostradamus, although in truth the tomb would not be considered as remarkable if it did not contain someone so well known.
Note that as it was built outside the original city walls, reaching the collegial church Saint-Laurent requires that you walk a short distance outside the town centre towards the north, perhaps a ten minute walk. Visitors report that the church is quite often closed, so you should check opening times before your visit.
Attractions nearby
For more highlights in and around the town see our guide to Salon-de-Provence.
See more churches in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.
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Places to visit near Collegiate Church Saint-Laurent
Salon-de-Provence
The castle and Collegiale church of Saint-Laurent are among the principal places of interest in Salon-de-Provence
Salon-de-Provence guide
Luberon Natural Park
The Luberon Regional Natural Parc includes several of the most beautiful villages in France and stunning scenery. Highly recommended!
Luberon Natural Park guide
Menerbes
One of our favourite Luberon villages, the streets of old Menerbes are overflowing with charm
Menerbes guide
Oppede-le-Vieux
Oppede might be less visited than the more famous of the Luberon villages, but a visit is still recommended - and the crowds rather less!
Oppede-le-Vieux guide
Chateau de Lourmarin
The Chateau de Lourmarin is a castle on the edge of the village of the same name, with both medieval and renaissance elements
Chateau de Lourmarin guide
... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bouches-du-Rhone
The French version of this page is at Collegiate Church Saint-Laurent (Francais)