A romantic trip to La Charité-sur-Loire
Would you like to get away for a weekend as a couple? We are taking you on a romantic trip filled with new discoveries, in La Charité-sur-Loire, town of Art and History, made all the more picturesque thanks to the river Loire flowing by. It is said that La Charité-sur-Loire should be visited by following both the eyes and the heart.
Both ancient and atypical
As soon as you arrive in this town on the banks of the Loire, go to the Jardin des Bénédictins where you'll have a superb view of the Priory church. Then walk around the inner courtyard to see the protected ruins of the ancient church of Saint Laurent. Venture inside the Priory church of La Charité-sur-Loire and just stare in awe at this majestic place.
Take in the atmosphere of these wonderful places, pass by the Place des Pêcheurs, then under the Gothic-style porch to enter the church of Notre-Dame, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and a step along the Way of St. James.
After a morning of historic discoveries, we will take you for lunch at the Auberge de La Poule Noire. This is the perfect place for a romantic meal, in a building made from ancient stones. You are in for a treat!
Finally, spend your afternoon exploring the architectural details of this place. There are plenty of unusual discoveries at the Priory church site, as well as contemporary artworks, created under the theme of the City of Words. You will be spoilt for choice!
Le Petit Rivage, on the banks of the Loire
A unique and charming place awaits you for a great night's sleep in the centre of La Charité-sur-Loire. Le Petit Rivage has two rooms that have been completely renovated with fresh and colourful decoration, and is a place full of character, both intimate and inviting. And, as an added bonus, it's a boutique hotel so you might just be leaving with a souvenir to take home with you!
Intimacy on the banks of the Loire
After a great night's sleep, set off to explore the more intimate side of La Charité-sur-Loire. Go towards Ile du Faubourg de Loire via the Pont de Pierre (stone bridge), then turn around and admire the iconic view of the town that lies before you!
A little further on, the Blancherie, on the Cher side, is the perfect place for a romantic walk alongside the gentle-flowing waters of the Loire, with the town in the background. The ideal spot for a bucolic picnic!
When you arrive back in La Charité-sur-Loire, go and explore the town's hidden treasures: the gate of the church of Sainte-Croix, the Rue des 84 Marches, the Chapelle des Mariniers or the Rue du Grenier à Sel. Then take a moment to relax at "Couleur Café", a tearoom with a cosy and romantic atmosphere, where Francis will be delighted to make a creamy homemade hot chocolate for you, topped with whipped cream!
After this short break, end your romantic getaway by climbing to the top of Parc Adam to reach the fortifications of La Charité-sur-Loire, built at the time of the Hundred Years' War to protect the town. From here, you'll have a breathtaking view of the whole town and beyond, over the Loire, Cher and Sancerrois. If it is a clear day, stay here to admire the superb sunset, reflecting on the Loire, and gaze out over the horizon.
The "Balade des Mots" (walking tour of the words)
Throughout your stay, you'll see the various engravings on the walls that have earned La Charité-sur-Loire its nickname as the city of books and words. You'll see quotes, and song lyrics, for example. As you explore the town, let the words guide you, "je lui dirai les mots bleus, les mots qu'on dit avec les yeux..." (I will say blue words to her, the ones you say with your eyes).
