About Église Saint-Pierre (Saint Peter’s Church) in Chartres, France:
The Église Saint-Pierre is a historic Gothic church in the lower town of Chartres, France. It’s the second most important church in the city after the famous Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres).
Originally the abbey church of the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Père-en-Vallée, it has been a parish church since 1803.HistoryFounded in the 7th century by Queen Balthild (wife of Clovis II). The abbey was sacked by Vikings in 858 AD and damaged by fires in 1077 AD and 1134 AD.
The current structure was mainly built between the 11th and 13th centuries, with the bell tower dating back to around 1000 AD.
During the French Revolution, the abbey was suppressed and the church has seized and served as a saltpeter factory. It was returned to its original function as a worship place in 1803.
Église Saint-Pierre is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with similarities to Chartres Cathedral (e.g., flying buttresses—shared builders worked on both). The church features a mix of Romanesque (older parts like the tower and lower choir) and Gothic elements. It is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved stained glass windows from the late 13th and early 14th centuries—brightly colored and illuminating the interior with vivid light. These are considered among the finest in the country (as are those in the Chartres cathedral).
The church regularly hosts the Organ Festival.
Traveling to Église Saint-Pierre (Saint Peter’s Church) in Chartres, France:
Address: 6 Rue Pétion, 28000 Chartres, France.
Phone: +33 2 37 00 01 0
Click here for the official website of The Église Saint-Pierre in Chartres, France (combined with the Chartres, Cathedral.