Priory of La Charité-sur-Loire
UNESCO World Heritage site

La Charité-sur-Loire is a well-known 'book town', possessing some of the finest Romanesque art and architecture in Burgundy. Its priory church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been beautifully restored.

Just cross the bridge...

From the 11th century paupers and pilgrims seeking charity from the abbey monks gave rise to the name of this important fortified crossing point on the Loire. Its long stone bridge – the oldest along the river – became a symbol for travellers.

The powerful Benedictine abbey of La Charité-sur-Loire was the “eldest daughter-house of Cluny” on the Santiago de Compostella pilgrim way and founded fifty filials across Europe, helping to curb the violence of feudal times.

During the Hundred Years War La Charité was fought over by Armagnacs and Burgundians. In 1429 Joan of Arc laid unsuccessful siege to the town.

Priory church

Although it has lost is great Romanesque door and original nave, the church is still magnificent.

• Behind the chevet of the church an archaeological dig has revealed the remains of an 11th century priory.
• The kitchens, refectory, stables and Prior's house have all survived..

Take an interest in the renovation! Every summer the abbey buildings house exhibitions on one of the major restoration sites in Burgundy.

Festivals beside the Loire

Each year there are a number of book fairs and markets. In the spring the Festival du Mot celebrates words, both spoken and written. On the first Saturday evening in August the Nuit du livre event takes over a street in town. Take time out to discover the wines of the Coteaux charitois and Coteaux du giennois, both appellations originating from the old abbey vineyards...

Practical information

Accommodation, shopping, booking guided tours, ticket sales for exhibitions... La Charité-sur-Loire Tourist Information office is here to help you.

Address details

Office de tourisme de la Charité-sur-Loire et du Pays Charitois
5, place Sainte Croix
58 400 La Charité sur Loire Cedex
Tel. : +33 (0)3 86 70 15 06
E-mail : contact@lacharitesurloire-tourisme.com
www.lacharitesurloire-tourisme.com

Opening times

April to September: ·
- Daily, 9.30am-12.30pm & 2.30-6.30pm

October to March: ·
- Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-12 noon & 2.30-5.30pm

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