The Église Saint-Pierre is the former abbey church of Chartres. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, its 14th century stained glass windows are beautiful. Considered a fine Gothic masterpiece, the Église Saint-Pierre is worth a visit while you are in Chartres.

Located at the Place Saint-Pierre, and not far from the river, the Église Saint-Pierre (map) is less than a 10 minute walk from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres.

The bell tower dates from about the year 1000, while most of the building is from the 12th to 14th centuries. The stained glass windows are from the 13th and 14th centuries. Some later stained glass was relocated to the International Stained-Glass Center when the original glass was restored and returned to Saint-Pierre.

Église Saint-Pierre, with its many buttresses, seen on a foggy morning.

Archaeological excavations in the sanctuary are providing more information about this historic building. You can see the areas where the excavations have taken place and are in progress.

Compared to the cathedral, Saint-Pierre has a small collection of stained glass—but that might be said of any church! However, the lovely colors and the height of the windows provide beautiful illumination of the church.

 

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