Colline et chapelle Sainte-Macrine

Magné

In the 8th century, so the Poitou tradition goes, three young women from Spain — Macrine, her sister Colombe and their friend Pezenne — settled at the edge of the marsh to lead a life of prayer. Noticed for her beauty, Macrine had to flee the advances of the lord Olivier: she hid among the reeds and water-weeds of the island of Magné, settled on the knoll that overlooks the channels, tended the sick there and, it is said, worked miracles. She became the patron saint of the Marais and its boatmen. The place of pilgrimage is mentioned from 936, and since the Middle Ages, every 6 July, people have climbed to the chapel: in former times pilgrims arrived by boat along the Sèvre Niortaise from Marans, Vix or Arçais, saluting on their way three fountains reputed to be miraculous. One remains, the fountain of the Gravée des Trois Ormeaux, given a monumental setting in 1845, a kilometre from the knoll. The 12th-century church, ruined at the Revolution and returned to the commune in 1806, was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style at the end of the 19th century; a stone statue of the saint was set up there in 1926, joined in 2004 by a chestnut-wood ex-voto. From the summit, the eye takes in the whole green chequerboard of the Venise verte: it is from here that Macrine watches over her marsh.

Getting there : Route de la Chapelle, 79460 Magné, on the doorstep of Niort and the Marais poitevin. Coordinates given for the village of Magné (approach point); the chapel is signposted on the knoll. Exterior freely accessible; fountain of the Gravée des Trois Ormeaux 1 km away. Annual pilgrimage on 6 July.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound