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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, located in Marennes-Hiers-Brouage in Charente-Maritime, is a Catholic religious building whose construction was completed in 1608. It is intimately linked to the history of New France, notably through Samuel de Champlain, a native of Brouage. Its architecture combines Renaissance elements, such as the Corinthian capital gate and a triangular pediment decorated with coat of arms, as well as a nave covered with panels and Tuscan columns. The church, disused on several occasions (notably during the Revolution and early 20th century), was restored through international subscriptions, particularly Canadian, and reopened to worship in 1912.

Inside, the church houses a permanent exhibition entitled "It was a faith... in New France", tracing the evangelization and foundation of the French colonies in North America. Eight stained glass windows, offered by Canadian governments and cities such as Quebec City and Montreal, illustrate key episodes of this epic, such as the founding of Quebec City in 1608 or the work of Blessed François de Montmorency-Laval. These works, by artists such as Nicolas Sollogoub, highlight the historical links between Brouage and Canada. A ninth window, dedicated to Marguerite Bourgeoys, was planned for 2017-2018.

Ranked a historic monument in 1931, the church experienced several phases of degradation and restoration. Abandoned as early as 1700, it served as a barn in the 19th century before being rehabilitated thanks to transatlantic financing, including those of the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec. The works of the bell tower, carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries by local entrepreneurs such as Luc Pascaud or Pierre Guiton, testify to its heritage importance. Today, it attracts Canadian pilgrims and visitors interested in Franco-American history.

In front of the building stands a monument dedicated to Samuel de Champlain, explorer and founder of Quebec City, baptized in this church. The shields carved on the facade and the funerary slabs destroyed during the Revolution recall its aristocratic and religious past. The church, owned by the commune, remains a symbol of the cultural exchanges between France and Canada, celebrating both the local architectural heritage and the heritage of New France.

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