L'église Saint-Pierre

Part of the building dates back to the 11th century, with its characteristic slanting buttresses and round-headed windows. A second part was built later, in the middle of the 16th century. The nave is framed like an overturned ship; unfortunately invisible, it was panelled in 1827. The large 17th-century altarpiece (listed) occupies the entire chevet and surmounts three altars leaning against the gable. Six Corinthian columns support the full Greek entablature. The side niches house statues of the Virgin Mother and Pope Saint Clement. The three-masted ship hanging at the back of the church is an ex-voto for sailors in distress. It is a reminder that Les Moutiers was once a seafaring parish, and that the sea used to reach the town. IN DETAILS... The steeple, a "fine point of onion mounted with seeds", has only existed since 1853; it is framed by 4 bell towers reminiscent of the Lanterne des Morts. The steeple is the work of Pornic architect Renou. From the ground to the top of the cross, it measures 45 meters and was built in 1853 under the pastorate of Abbé Maillard, who governed the parish from 1848 to 1878. It replaces a square tower which, on today?s sacristy, was no higher than the church?s ridge. There are 4 bells in the upper chamber. The oldest dates from 1840, the others from 1848. The oldest part of the parish church, the men?s monastery, dates back to the 11th century. From the outside, the church is a massive structure topped by an elegant bell tower with a choir. The church is flanked by 12 squat buttresses. The two that continue the eastern gable are set at an angle, in line with 11th-century architecture. The church's greatest treasure is its listed altarpiece. It was designed by Jean Boffrand and dates from the 17th century. Six Corinthian columns support the entablature with architrave, frieze and cornice. Above it, the architect placed 3 niches flanked by light pilasters and scrolled brackets with flower vases and flamboyant urns. In the middle niche, 3 hearts flanked by 4 angels represent the Trinity. The side niches house statues of the Virgin Mother and Pope Saint Clement. The paintings in the choir, from left to right: The Virgin gives the rosary to St. Dominic, while the Child God gives it to St. Catherine of Siena. Surrounding the scene are the fifteen mysteries of the rosary. This 1631 painting (Mannerist period) does not reveal the name of its author The central painting (restored in the late 19th century) is a good copy of one of the master?s works. It depicts the "giving of the keys to Saint Peter" Saint Clement, Pope, adorns the right altar, donated to the Church in 1631. The statue of Saint Paul is in wood, while the statue of Saint Peter is in tufa stone. Scallop shells in place of the halo are a reminder of former Compostela pilgrims. Above the sacristy door, a painting by the Florentine school depicts a "Madonna with swaddled baby". Formerly in the Prigny chapel, it was torn down during the French Revolution. Restored at the request of Abbé Coeslier, it has been placed in the church under the title "NOTRE DAME DE PRIGNY". The altars outside the choir date from the 18th century. They are surmounted by beautiful altarpieces with niches, garlands, potiches, columns, cartouches and a central painting. Despite their real interest, these altars are not "listed". The stained glass windows (by Nantes-based master glassmaker Uzureau) date from 1945. They depict evangelical scenes that are easy to interpret. THE EX-VOTO: MODEL OF A 3-MASTED BOAT This ex-voto represents a polychrome wooden trading boat, 2.37 m long and 1.72 m high. It bears witness to the maritime past of Moutiers-en-Retz and neighboring La Bernerie-en-Retz. From the 19th century until the 1960s, the model was lowered for the Assumption feast on August 15, and could be admired by parishioners and tourists alike during the nocturnal procession along the beach, which concluded with the blessing of the sea. A few figures for enthusiasts: Surface area of the church: 370m² - it can hold 450 people Central height: 14 meters The pews date from 1867 Choir tiles date from 1775 The nave tiles, in Vigneux granite, date from 1867 The Stations of the Cross, painted on canvas, date from 1875 Liturgically oriented to the east, the church to the west has 2 doors and 2 windows: "Judicaël" and "Adénor", founders of the Ronseray Benedictine convent. To the north, 5 windows and 2 doors; one, the "Sablais" door, is concealed inside by the polyphone; the other, the "Berneriens" or "porte parapluie" or "porte balai", has an awning. It was here, on arrival at services, that the ladies would refashion their hairstyles, tormented by the inclemency of the seasons, in the days when people went on foot. Only 1 opening to the south, due to sea winds and storms.