Construction of the nave and bell tower XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Medieval origin of the building
XIIIe siècle (première moitié)
Construction of the choir
Construction of the choir XIIIe siècle (première moitié) (≈ 1350)
Church expansion
1858
Installation of the stained glass of the choir
Installation of the stained glass of the choir 1858 (≈ 1858)
Work by Fialex and Mayet
1871
Paintings of the triumphal arc
Paintings of the triumphal arc 1871 (≈ 1871)
Directed by Grandin
1869-1875
Transformations of the nave
Transformations of the nave 1869-1875 (≈ 1872)
Extension and architectural changes
26 septembre 1969
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 26 septembre 1969 (≈ 1969)
Official building protection
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Abbé Brisacier - Architect
Directed the transformations of 1869-1875
Hardion - Architect
Author of 1869 projects
Grandin - Painter
Author of 1871 paintings
Fialex et Mayet - Craft glassware
Creators of the 1858 stained glass windows
Origin and history
The church Saint-Étienne de Fougeré is a religious building located in the commune of Fougeré, Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region. It is distinguished by an architecture combining the elements of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, with a nave and a bell tower dating from the twelfth century, while the choir was built in the thirteenth century. These features make it a notable medieval architectural testimony in the region.
The church underwent major changes between 1869 and 1875, under the direction of Abbé Briscier, architect of Tours. These works included the addition of a span to the nave, the modification of the openings of the north wall according to the plans of the architect Hardion, as well as the replacement of the 16th century roofing panel. On this occasion, decorative elements were added, such as Grandin's paintings in 1871 and the stained glass of the choir, made by Fialex and Mayet in 1858.
Classified as a historical monument by decree of 26 September 1969, Saint-Étienne Church is now owned by the commune of Fougeré. It also retains interesting historical traces, such as graffiti visible on the south wall of the nave and in the bell tower. These elements, combined with its architecture, make it a rich and preserved heritage, open to visit and anchored in local history.