Chapelle de Trachin

In the heart of Annonay, nestled at the bustling intersection of Boissy d’Anglas and Trachin streets, stands the Chapelle de Trachin, a hidden gem of Gothic architecture and historical intrigue. This captivating chapel, originally part of a priory, invites visitors to step back in time and explore its storied past and artistic treasures.

The Origins and History of Chapelle de Trachin

The Chapelle de Trachin, also known as the Chapel of Saint-Jacques and Saint-Philippe, was founded in 1320 by Guy Trachin and his wife, Igline de Saint-Julien. Its history is intertwined with legends, such as the dream of Guigues Trachi that inspired its creation. Over the centuries, this chapel has witnessed significant events, including its transformation into a Protestant temple during the Wars of Religion, which remarkably spared it from destruction.

By the mid-16th century, the chapel's bell tower became the parish church's bell tower after the collapse of the nearby Notre-Dame Collegiate Church. Despite the prieuré's eventual decline and collapse in 1680, the chapel continued to serve various religious functions, including housing a confraternity approved by Pope Clement XII in 1736. The chapel's journey through history reflects the resilience and adaptability of this sacred space, surviving revolutions, closures, and transformations.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

The exterior of the Chapelle de Trachin is distinguished by its octagonal bell tower, crafted from local granite, which rises majestically above the Annonay skyline. The entrance, adorned with four ranks of voussoirs and six slender columns, features a sculpted head of its founder, Guy Trachin, above the date 1320. The portal, dating from the early 18th century, adds a touch of Baroque elegance to the Gothic structure.

Inside, the chapel's rectangular nave reveals layers of history with its two superimposed galleries from the 18th and 19th centuries. The ceiling, painted in the early 19th century, replaces an earlier ogival wooden ceiling. It depicts the Assumption, apostles, evangelists, and the chapel's patron saints, Saint Jacques and Saint Philippe, in vibrant hues. This painted ceiling is a testament to the chapel's artistic heritage, recognized as a historical monument in 1977.

The Sacred Art Repository

Since the late 20th century, the Chapelle de Trachin has served as a repository of sacred art, showcasing a collection of religious artworks and artifacts. Among these treasures are significant paintings such as Saint Jacques and Saint Philippe by Adrian Dassier, and The Nativity of the Virgin, both classified as historical monuments. A portrait of Saint François-de-Sales, dating from the 17th century, adds to the chapel's rich tapestry of sacred art.

The chapel's stained glass, including a 20th-century window by Jean-Marcel Héraut depicting Saint-Jacques and Saint-Philippe, and a 19th-century window of Saint Bruno, fills the space with colorful light, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of this historic site.

The Gothic Choir and Its Mysteries

The Gothic choir, dating from the early 14th century, is a masterpiece of ribbed vaulting and intricate stonework. The triumphal arch is flanked by two gilded wooden torch-bearing angels from the 17th century, adding a celestial touch to the sacred space. The choir's altar, originating from the Cordeliers convent, is an 18th-century marvel set against a backdrop of wooden stalls and gilded frames depicting the Mysteries of the Virgin.

The choir's walls are adorned with murals from the early 20th century by local artists Anne-Marie Rony and Maurice Luquet de Saint-Germain, illustrating the Nativity of the Virgin and the Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple. These works, along with the choir's stained glass, illuminate the chapel with stories of faith and devotion.

A Cultural and Historical Landmark

Today, the Chapelle de Trachin stands as a cultural and historical landmark, a testament to Annonay's rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its founders. Its transformation into a cultural venue and sacred art repository ensures that its stories and treasures continue to inspire and educate visitors.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, the Chapelle de Trachin offers a unique glimpse into the past, where every stone and artwork tells a story of faith, resilience, and artistic achievement. As you explore this captivating chapel, you'll discover not just a piece of Annonay's history, but a window into the soul of a community that has cherished and preserved this sacred space for centuries.