Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Bonneval, located in the Eure-et-Loir department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a religious building emblematic of primitive Gothic. Built mainly at the beginning of the 13th century, it preserves Romanesque traces in the lower parts of the flat bedside and the windows in the middle of the collaterals, dating from the late 12th century. These elements make it a contemporary of Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, highlighting its regional architectural importance.

The church structure consists of a central nave and two collaterals, each divided into seven spans supported by light foothills. The first three foothills are decorated with grotesque gargoyles, while a triforium and ogival windows animate the nave walls. The stone vault, supported by twelve columns, bears the stigma of the flood of 1665, which unbalanced several poles. An iron beam, later added, replaces the original wood ties to consolidate the building.

The slate arrow, culminating at 65 meters, and hooked gables date back to the 16th century. This arrow houses three bells, two of which are classified as molten in 1598, the other as revolutionary in 1793. The church was listed as a historic monument in 1954, recognizing its heritage value. Between 1885 and 1893, a major restoration was carried out, including the installation of stained glass windows and the repair of the rosacea above the high altar, partially rebuilt after damage sustained during the bombing.

The church furniture is remarkable, with four paintings classified as historical monuments. Two of them, from the abbey of Saint-Florentin, represent the multiplication of breads and Penance (copy of a work by Nicolas Poussin). These canvases, 320 × 390 cm, were released in 2023 for an 18-month restoration. The varied statuary includes a Virgin with a wooden Child, a bust of Bishop Claude-Hippolyte Clausel de Montals, as well as polychrome statues of saints such as Georges, Laurent and Sébastien.

The church of Notre-Dame now belongs to the parish of Saint-Paul-en-Val, attached to the dean of Dunois. Its architecture, combining Romanesque and Gothic influences, and its rich furniture heritage make it a major witness to the religious and artistic history of the region.

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