L'histoire de cette collégiale est terrible, la révolution française et les années qui l'on suivi a détruit un joyau. L'arche du chœur au dessus de l'Eure et la deuxième arche pour la chapelle de la vierge, était une architecture originale qui prête à rêver. Faute de mieux, la balade au bord de la rivière, affluent de la Seine, est agréable. Il est dommage de ne pas rendre plus accessible ce genre d'endroit.
1 / 10

Collégiale Saint-André

4.5
·268 reviews·Chartres, France

A historic Romanesque church turned cultural hub, featuring stunning architecture, a unique medicinal garden, and art exhibitions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere for exploration

CrowdLow
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L'histoire de cette collégiale est terrible, la révolution française et les années qui l'on suivi a détruit un joyau. L'arche du chœur au dessus de l'Eure et la deuxième arche pour la chapelle de la vierge, était une architecture originale qui prête à rêver. Faute de mieux, la balade au bord de la rivière, affluent de la Seine, est agréable. Il est dommage de ne pas rendre plus accessible ce genre d'endroit.

Collégiale Saint-André

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere for exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Romanesque church turned cultural hub, featuring stunning architecture, a unique medicinal garden, and art exhibitions.

4.5
(268 reviews)

"Magnificent architecture and wooden ceiling is just splendid, the renovation is recent, and the fact of having added a garden with squares of medicinal and aromatic plants."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedules

This former church hosts exhibitions and concerts. Check listings before your visit!

🌿 Explore the Garden

Don't miss the unique garden with medicinal and aromatic plants.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

Admire the stunning Romanesque design and the recently renovated interior, a testament to historical craftsmanship.

Reddit
Medicinal Plant Garden

Medicinal Plant Garden

Explore the unique garden featuring squares of medicinal and aromatic plants, a nod to historical practices.

Reddit
Stained Glass Labyrinth

Stained Glass Labyrinth

Discover a beautiful stained-glass window depicting the labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral, a unique artistic feature.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check event schedules before you go, as this former church now hosts exhibitions and concerts. Weekday mornings offer a quieter experience, while evenings might feature special performances. Instagram+1

Embrace the Atmosphere

This deconsecrated church is a cultural hub. Appreciate its Romanesque architecture, recent renovations, and the unique garden with medicinal plants. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere for exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Event evenings
Why
Concerts and exhibitions
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Balade à Dole avec ma fille 🌸 Elle a choisi de visiter la magnifique collégiale ⛪️ puis direction une épicerie japonaise 🇯🇵 pour quelques douceurs avant de finir en beauté avec de délicieux ramens 🍜✨ #Dole #BaladeEnFamille #VoyageEnFrance #Decouverte #CollegialeDeDole #epicerieJaponaise #CuisineJaponaise #Ramens #Foodie #VoyageEtGourmandise #MomLife #MomAndDaughter #food #mereetfille #famille #fam...
@ma_petite_vie_s
1.9K likes • 30.4K views

🎯 Check Event Schedules

This former church hosts exhibitions and concerts. Check listings before your visit! Instagram+3

🌿 Explore the Garden

Don't miss the unique garden with medicinal and aromatic plants. Reddit

Gastronogeek a tourné sa dernière vidéo à Chartres ! 🙌 Pourquoi notre ville et la belle collégiale Saint-André ? Il vous le dira mieux que nous. 😉 🥘 Pour savoir ce qu’il a mitonné, rendez-vous sur son compte Instagram @gastronogeek ! Et bon appétit ! #Chartres #Chartresmaville #Villedechartres #Gastronogeek #Gastronomie @cchartresofficiel @vitrineschartres @terresdechartres
villedechartres
464 likes • 36K views
Improvisation au handpan à la Collégiale Saint-André de Chartres. Quelle chance d'avoir eu accès à ce lieu et de le privatiser pour être seul à profiter de ses énergies inspirantes !! Un grand merci à la @villedechartres pour cette opportunité et évidemment à JB de @chartrespercussioncompagnie de me prêter cet instrument !! #handpan #handpanmusic #handpanworld #handpanplayer #chartres #chartres...
guillaume.dambreville
66 likes • 1.9K views

✨ Admire the Architecture

Appreciate the Romanesque design and recent renovations. Reddit

🎟️ Free Admission

Enjoy exploring this historic site without an entry fee. Reddit

La collégiale Saint-André 1228 #grenoble #patrimoinefrancais #eglise #france #telepheriquegrenoblebastille #itinisere #grenoblecity #grenobletourism #grenoblemaville #grenoblelovers #grenoblealpesmetropole #grenoblemetropole #grenoblelife #grenoblealpes #mygrenoble #visitegrenoble #itinisere #visitgrenoble #grenoblemylife #grenoblephotography #grenoblemylove #lovegrenoble #grenoblealpesmetropole #...
regardsurle38
316 likes • 905 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedules

This former church hosts exhibitions and concerts. Check listings before your visit! Instagram+3

🌿 Explore the Garden

Don't miss the unique garden with medicinal and aromatic plants. Reddit

✨ Admire the Architecture

Appreciate the Romanesque design and recent renovations. Reddit

🎟️ Free Admission

Enjoy exploring this historic site without an entry fee. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(268 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Collégiale Saint-André for its stunning Romanesque architecture, recent renovations, and the unique garden featuring medicinal plants. The free admission and its role as a cultural venue hosting exhibitions and concerts are also highlighted as significant positives. Some visitors note that the choir and vaults from the 16th century are no longer present.

"Now deconsecrated, this Romanesque church was the religious centre of one Chartres' liveliest areas, the "river workers'" quarter, home to millers, dyers, cobblers, fullers, tanners and tawers. In the 16C it was extended with the addition of a choir and an apsidal chapel built on arches spanning the River Eure. Sadly, the choir and vaults disappeared in 1827. Nowadays, this former collegiate church is a cultural centre hosting events and exhibitions."

Edward

"Top"

Maurice

"Magnificent architecture and wooden ceiling is just splendid, the renovation is recent, and the fact of having added a garden with squares of medicinal and aromatic plants we find what was done at the time of this architecture."

nioche cyril

What People Like

Magnificent architecture
Recent renovation
Medicinal plant garden

What People Dislike

Lost choir and vaults

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Collégiale Saint-André is centrally located in Chartres. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center. Public transport options include local buses that stop nearby. Instagram+1

Yes, the Collégiale Saint-André in Grenoble is accessible. It's a notable landmark in the city, and information on local transport to reach it can be found through Grenoble tourism resources. Instagram+2

For Chartres, walking is ideal due to its central location. In Grenoble, consider local buses or trams to get close to the church. Instagram+3

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Collégiale Saint-André is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors. Reddit

As a cultural center, opening hours can vary depending on events and exhibitions. It's best to check the local tourism website or event listings for specific times. Instagram+1

Yes, the church frequently hosts concerts and exhibitions. Visiting during an event can offer a unique experience, but may affect general access. Instagram+3

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you can admire the Romanesque architecture, recent renovations, a stained-glass window depicting the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, and a garden with medicinal plants. Reddit

The church boasts a unique garden with medicinal plants and a striking stained-glass window. It also serves as a venue for cultural events. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, families can enjoy the architecture, the garden, and potentially family-friendly exhibitions or events. TikTok

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always check for any specific restrictions, especially during events or exhibitions. Instagram

🎫 🎶 Events & Culture

The church hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and acoustic music sessions. Instagram+4

Check the official tourism websites for Chartres or Grenoble, or look for event listings from local cultural associations. Instagram+2

Yes, it has hosted musical performances, including acoustic sessions and choir concerts. Instagram+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Collégiale Saint-André can enjoy a blend of history and sensory experiences. The free admission makes it an accessible outing. Kids might be fascinated by the unique garden with medicinal plants and the impressive Romanesque architecture. Reddit

While the church is now a cultural center, check for any family-friendly exhibitions or events that might be happening during your visit. The stained-glass window is also a visual point of interest that can spark curiosity. TikTokInstagram

🎨 Art and Culture Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate art and history, the Collégiale Saint-André offers a rich experience. Its Romanesque architecture and recent renovations are a draw, as is the stained-glass window inspired by the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. Reddit

The church's current role as a cultural venue means you can often catch temporary art exhibitions or live musical performances, adding a contemporary layer to its historical significance. The garden with medicinal plants also provides a unique thematic element to explore. Instagram+3

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Collégiale Saint-André, a former Romanesque church, was once the spiritual heart of a bustling "river workers'" quarter in Chartres. This area was home to various artisans like millers, dyers, cobblers, and tanners. The church itself saw significant expansion in the 16th century with the addition of a choir and an apsidal chapel that uniquely spanned the River Eure. Sadly, these extensions were lost in 1827, but the core Romanesque structure remains a powerful reminder of its past. Reddit

Today, the deconsecrated Collégiale Saint-André has found a new life as a vibrant cultural center. It regularly hosts a diverse range of events, from art exhibitions to musical performances, breathing contemporary life into its historic walls. This transformation allows visitors to experience the building's enduring beauty and historical significance in a dynamic, engaging way. Instagram+2

Architectural and Artistic Features

The church is celebrated for its magnificent Romanesque architecture, a style characterized by its sturdy construction and rounded arches. Recent renovations have preserved and enhanced its historical features, making it a visually striking space. A notable artistic element is the stained-glass window depicting the labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral, offering a unique visual connection to the city's famous landmark. Reddit

Beyond the interior, the Collégiale Saint-André features a thoughtfully designed garden with squares of medicinal and aromatic plants. This garden is not just aesthetically pleasing but also serves as a historical echo, reflecting practices from the time of the church's original architecture. The combination of historical architecture, artistic glasswork, and a themed garden creates a rich and multi-layered visitor experience. Reddit

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