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Origin and history

The church Saint-Louis de La Flèche, located in the Sarthe department, was built between 1607 and 1621 in the enclosure of the Jesuit College, founded in 1603 by Henri IV. This monument, integrated since 1808 in the Prytanée national militaire, houses the ashes of the hearts of Henry IV and Mary of Medici. Its architecture, designed by Louis Métezeau, reflects a transition between Gothic style and Italian Renaissance influences, with a sober nave contrasting with a richly decorated baroque altarpiece.

Construction of the church began in 1607 under the direction of Jacques le Féron de Longuemezière, according to the plans of Louis Métezeau, king's architect. Henry IV had expressed the wish that his heart should rest in this church, a promise honoured after his death in 1610, when his heart was transferred to La Flèche. The work was interrupted in 1611 and resumed in 1612 under the supervision of Father Étienne Martellange, sent by Marie de Médicis to complete the building.

The church was opened for worship in 1622 and consecrated in 1637 under the patronage of Saint Louis. In the 17th century, its interior was embellished by baroque elements, including a monumental altarpiece by Pierre Corbineau and an organ stand installed between 1637 and 1640. In 1643, the heart of Mary of Medici joined Henry IV in the church. During the French Revolution, the royal hearts were burned in 1793, but some ashes were saved and returned to the Prytanea in 1814.

Placed a historic monument in 1919, Saint-Louis Church underwent several restorations, especially in the 20th century, to preserve its organ and decorations. Today, it serves as a parish in the Diocese of the Army and hosts regular Masses. Its architecture, marked by a unique nave flanked by side chapels and a lead campanile, makes it a remarkable example of religious art from the early seventeenth century.

The cenotaphs of the hearts of Henry IV and Mary of Medici, located in the transept, are major elements of his heritage. The altarpiece of the high altar, decorated with a painting of the Annunciation attributed to Jean Restout, and the organ, restored in the 20th century, bear witness to the artistic richness of the building. The church also preserves classified paintings, such as The Martyr of the Machabées and a Descent of the Cross of Nicolas-Bernard Lépicie.

The history of the church is closely linked to that of the Jesuit College, which became the National Military Prytanee. Founded by Henry IV, this college was a prestigious place of education, frequented by figures like René Descartes. The church, integrated into this ensemble, symbolizes both the royal patronage and the religious and military heritage of the region.

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