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.
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 it 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 led an unsuccessful siege on the town.
Although it has lost its 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.
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 on of the town's streets. Take time out to discover the wines of the Coteaux charitois and Coteaux du giennois, both appellations originating from the old abbey vineyards.
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 it 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 led an unsuccessful siege on the town.
Priory church
Although it has lost its 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 on of the town's streets. Take time out to discover the wines of the Coteaux charitois and Coteaux du giennois, both appellations originating from the old abbey vineyards.
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Horaires d'ouverture de l'Office de tourisme de la Charité-sur-Loire
- Hébergement, boutique, réservations de visites guidées, billetterie des expositions... L'office de tourisme de La Charité-sur-Loire est à votre disposition.
D'avril à septembre :
- Tous les jours, de 9 h 30 à 12 h 30 et de 14 h 30 à 18 h 30
D'octobre à mars :
- Du mardi au samedi, de 10 h à 12 h et de 14 h 30 à 17 h 30
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