The Saint-Remy d'Auneau church is distinguished by its seniority and singularity. Built on an ancient Druidic fountain considered a sanctuary from the Gaulish era, it perpetuates a rare continuity between pagan worship and Christian worship. The source, Christianized under the name of Saint Maur, became the heart of a pilgrimage known for its healings of paralysis and epilepsy, active from the 17th to the 19th century. A niche in the centre of the altar once housed the shawl of Saint Maur, framed by two pilgrims carved in adoration, recalling the religious importance of the place. This sacred settlement also explains the isolated position of the church, which remained on its original site while the medieval village was refocusing around the castle and the shopping axes.
The building bears witness to the history of Auneau, formerly the seat of a powerful seigneury held by the Gallardon and then by Bureau de la Rivière, Chancellor of Charles V. From Romanesque origin (XII century), the church preserves a hemispherical apse, a square bell tower on the choir and a remarkable western facade with sculpted portals, archvolts and modillons. The 15th and 16th centuries saw the addition of lower sides, asymmetrical lateral chapels and a stair turret. In the 19th century, the interior was decorated with a neo-Gothic painted decoration, precious to understand the evolution of local piety. In 2026, the reconstruction of the North Slope frame and covers will ensure the sustainability of this complex.
Still alive, the church of Saint-Remy remains an active place of worship, attached to the diocese of Chartres and to the Blessed parish of Marie Poussepin. It regularly hosts Sunday Masses as well as concerts.
