Église Saint-Pierre-de-Sales de Marennes, Gothic church in Marennes-Hiers-Brouage, France

Église Saint-Pierre is a Gothic church in Marennes with a 85-metre bell tower, the tallest religious building in Charente-Maritime. The nave has five bays with side chapels and balustraded tribunes, and the choir has two bays with 19th-century stained glass. The 18th-century vaults are basket-handle, and a 19th-century choir organ, classified in 1986, remains in working order.

Mentioned in a 1047 donation by Duke Geoffroy Martel of Aquitaine to the Abbey of Saintes, the church was rebuilt in flamboyant Gothic style between the mid-14th and 15th centuries, when its tower-porch was raised. During the Wars of Religion it served as a Catholic citadel besieged by Protestant troops and was left ruined except for the tower. The remains were demolished in 1600 and rebuilding ran from 1602 to 1776 in a classical style.

The church holds several ex-votos of a maritime inspiration, including ship models hung inside, left by sailors and fishermen. The 19th-century choir organ, still in working order, was listed as a monument historique in 1986. At the entrance, a list names the holders of the archpriest office the church once hosted.

The bell tower rises 85 metres and is reached by 289 steps, making it the tallest religious structure in Charente-Maritime. The church stands in the historic centre of Marennes beside a large square, so it is easy to find on foot. The tower was built tall so it could serve as a landmark for navigation in the Marennes-Oléron basin.

The bell tower houses four historic bells with different tonal qualities, including two named bells from the 18th and 19th centuries. These bells remain in use today and shape the sound signature of the place.