Église Saint-Étienne, Beauvais
Church in Beauvais
Église Saint-Étienne is one of the must-see places in Beauvais, a remarkable church that beautifully illustrates the transition from Romanesque solidity to Gothic elegance. Located on Rue de l'Étamine, this twelfth-century landmark features one of the oldest Romanesque naves in the region, paired with a luminous sixteenth-century Gothic choir adorned with masterful stained glass. Its harmonious mix of architectural styles and its calm, reflective setting make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Beauvais, especially for those seeking quieter historic gems beyond the cathedral.
The church’s richly decorated Romanesque façade, its soaring Gothic windows, and its interior details-including the triforium, vaulted ceilings, and striking contrasts between rounded and pointed arches-create a visual narrative of Beauvais’ evolving craftsmanship. It is a site where centuries of faith, artistry, and local identity converge, offering visitors an intimate and atmospheric encounter with the city’s medieval heritage.
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History and Significance of Église Saint-Étienne
Église Saint-Étienne dates back to the twelfth century, a period when Romanesque architecture dominated northern France. Its nave and transepts, built with rounded arches and powerful columns, survive as some of the oldest ecclesiastical structures in Beauvais. These early features emphasise stability, strength, and clarity-hallmarks of the Romanesque style.
In the sixteenth century, the church was expanded with the addition of a Gothic choir. This later enhancement introduced large stained glass windows crafted by master glaziers, whose work fills the space with radiant colour. The flat chevet is a distinctive architectural choice, allowing for broader windows and a brighter interior. This blend of Romanesque grounding and Gothic luminosity gives the church its unique character.
Throughout the centuries, Saint-Étienne has remained an active place of worship and a witness to Beauvais' shifting architectural and spiritual landscape. Its surviving features offer an invaluable look into medieval building traditions and the city's artistic development.
Things to See and Do in Église Saint-Étienne
Begin with the exterior, where the Romanesque façade showcases decorative carvings and semi-circular arches typical of the twelfth century. Moving inside, visitors encounter the Romanesque nave, where rounded arches and thick pillars create a sense of timeless solidity.
The Gothic choir is a highlight. The vibrant stained glass, crafted in the sixteenth century, bathes the interior in warm, colourful light. The triforium and ribbed vaulting heighten the feeling of verticality and space, beautifully contrasting with the more grounded Romanesque elements.
Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the striking juxtaposition of forms: massive Romanesque supports meeting the light, airy Gothic additions, all unified within one harmonious structure. Visitors can sit in quiet reflection, take in the artistic details, and admire the craftsmanship that spans multiple eras.
How to Get There
Beauvais is served by Paris-Beauvais Airport, offering flights to numerous European destinations. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Beauvais on Booking.com.
The church is a 10-15 minute walk from Beauvais railway station, which receives frequent trains from Paris-Gare du Nord. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.
Several public car parks are located around the city centre, making it easy to walk to the church from your parking spot. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting Église Saint-Étienne
- Best time to visit Église Saint-Étienne: Late afternoon, when the stained glass is most vibrant.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Free; donations welcome.
- Opening hours: Open daily; hours are similar to other Beauvais historic sites.
- Official website: https://www.beauvais.fr
- How long to spend: Around 20-30 minutes.
- Accessibility: Main areas are accessible; paths may include some uneven surfaces.
- Facilities: Cafés and shops are located nearby along Rue de l’Étamine.
- Photography tip: Capture the contrast between the Romanesque nave and Gothic choir from the centre aisle.
- Guided-tours: Available on request or during heritage events.
- Nearby food options: Numerous cafés in the surrounding streets.
Where to Stay close to Église Saint-Étienne
Several convenient and welcoming hotels lie within walking distance of the church. Mercure Beauvais Centre Cathédrale offers refined comfort close to both Saint-Étienne and the cathedral. A cosy and central option is Hotel du Cygne, ideal for exploring the historic centre. Travellers arriving by plane may prefer Ibis Beauvais Aéroport, which combines convenience with good value.
Is Église Saint-Étienne Worth Visiting?
Yes - Église Saint-Étienne is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you appreciate historic architecture or want to explore Beauvais beyond its cathedral. Its serene atmosphere, beautifully preserved Romanesque elements, and luminous Gothic choir make it one of the most rewarding lesser-known landmarks in the city.
What Other Travellers Say...
Saint-Étienne Church on Rue de l'Étamine in central Beauvais is a large 12th-century Gothic church praised by visitors for its impressive, massive architecture; reviewers say it's worth stopping by and note that opening times can vary, with several accounts of arriving when it was closed and hoping to see the interior another time.
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Église Saint-Étienne
- Beauvais Cathedral: Home to the world's tallest Gothic choir and two extraordinary historic clocks.
- Musée de l'Oise (MUDO): A beautifully restored palace with rich art collections.
- Le Quadrilatère: Contemporary art centre with rotating exhibitions.
- Place Jeanne-Hachette: A lively square with shops, cafés, and historic architecture.
- Maladrerie Saint-Lazare: A superbly preserved medieval hospital complex.
The Église Saint-Étienne appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Beauvais!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Nearby Attractions
- Hôtel de Ville (0.2) km
Town Hall - Place Jeanne-Hachette (0.2) km
Square - Le Quadrilatère (0.4) km
Arts Venue - Beauvais Cathedral (0.5) km
Cathedral - MUDO - Musée de l’Oise (0.5) km
Museum - Remparts Rue Jean Racine (0.5) km
City Walls - Maladrerie Saint-Lazare (2.1) km
Historic Building - Château de Chantilly (39.2) km
Castle and Museum - Cirque Jules Verne (53.3) km
Arts Venue and Historic Building - Château Gaillard (53.4) km
Castle
