Montpezat-de-Quercy - Collégiale Saint-Martin

The village of Montpezat-de-Quercy is a bastide in the province of Quercy Blanc. Like the very most of the bastide it was planned around a central market square that is surriunded by half timbered houses with it shady arcades.

The remains of a Gallo-Roman settlement were found, but the town reached its peak in the Middle Ages, ruled by the noble family Montpezat. They were accused of Cathar-heresy around 1250 and were replaced by the Prés family.

A well known member of them is 1280, Pierre des Prés, born 1280. His parents were anxious that he join the priesthood. He was called (aged 26) to the service of Pope John XXII, who was a native of Cahors. During his lifetime Pierre des Prés held many positions of high office and offered great loyalty to the Pope. He became Vice-Chancellor of the Roman Church and led a distinguished career of over 45 years until he died of the plague in 1361.

Being rich and influental Vice-Chancellor he wished to erect a church in the village of his birth and Prés arranged for the construction of the Saint Martin Collegiate Church. It was built in the southern French Gothic style and was consecrated in 1343.