Eglise et crypte Saint-Aré

The parish church of Decize is dedicated to Saint-Aré, bishop of Nevers (548 - 558) who wished at the time of his death to be laid in a boat and buried where the boat would stop. According to the legend, the boat went up the river to Decize, where the Saint is buried.
The church was built in the 11th and 12th centuries. From this period, only the choir and the apses remain (you can walk around the church).
In 1842 the castle walls above the church collapsed, taking the nave, several chapels and part of the transept with them.
The north portal and the capitals can be seen on the outside.
The crypt of the church was built around a cave and perhaps even a Gallo-Roman building. A miraculous statue, known as Notre Dame de Sous Terre, has long been venerated here.

The church is open every day, but the crypt is closed and only accessible during guided tours.

You can visit the church and the crypt with a guide in July and August for individuals and all year round by appointment for groups.