La Charité-sur-Loire
La Charité-sur-Loire
Travel guide and tourist information
Travel guide and tourist information
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Situated along the Loire, 2 hours from Paris by car or train, La Charité-sur-Loire is a medieval city classified as World Heritage by UNESCO since 1998. Step on the major roads to Saint Jacques de Compostela, continues to attract pilgrims. His story begins in 1059.
The bishop of Auxerre, Hugh of Champallement, donated his land at a place called "Seyr" (along the Loire) to Hugh of Semur, Abbot of Cluny in order to build a monastery.
100 monks of Cluny came to build this new marvel of Burgundian Romanesque art! The Notre Dame is at the time, the second largest church in Christendom after Cluny! The closure of the monastery including the Notre-Dame, Saint-Laurent church, monastic buildings, courtyards and the garden of the Benedictines reflect the magnitude of this foundation of Cluny. 200 monks will then stay in the buildings. Many pilgrims pass benefit of "the charity of good fathers," theological virtue which gave its name to the city.
Obligatory passage point on the Loire, the monastery was enriched. His influence spread over 45 priories and 400 outbuildings in France and in Europe from England to Portugal, from Venice to Constantinople ... On March 9, 1107, the church was consecrated by Pope Paschal II. In 1164, the prior Rodolphe de Sully builds a ring of ramparts to protect the town that grew around the monastery. In 1429, Joan of Arc tries to take the city on behalf of King Charles VII. In vain. The Hundred Years' War, and the Wars of Religion, will gradually weaken the monastic city, but ultimately a huge fire which will precipitate his ruin.
Much of the monastery and 200 homes were destroyed. The city was rebuilt, but the decline of the monastery began and lasted 400 years. In 1789, there are only 12 monks. The city wedged between the Loire and walls can grow as the population continues to increase. In 1790, the Constituent Assembly seized the church property. The municipality is authorized to sell pieces of the priory residents into their homes. The priory, which occupies one-fifth of the surface of the city is as encysted fossilized ... It disappears gradually in the city to become invisible.
In 1840, Prosper Mérimée, inspector of historic monuments, save the magnificent tympanum of the great priory dating from the original construction and that was found in the wall of a room for rent. It classifies the church "historical monument". But it was in 1974 that the architect Jean-Pierre rediscovers the priory Duthoit ...
1974-2008: the hidden treasures reappear openly: JP Duthoit convince the municipality to restore the monastery by buying the original parts of buildings to their owners, piece by piece. The city becomes the owner of 9/10e its surface.
Since 2001, major restoration work has led to cleverly highlight the remains of Saint Lawrence, the garden of the Benedictines, graves of the 10th century ... The Gothic halls, after 3 years of stabilization and meticulous renovation regained their original volume. The east wing of the priory and the halls of the 18th century (North Wing) were also completed.
Charity is now a charming small town in a beautiful setting between Loire and forest wild Bertranges second oak from France. Its heritage attracts fans of all France. It is also a city with intense cultural activity. Ranked city of Book 8 years (there are 6 in France), visitors come from all over Europe for its ancient book fair, markets monthly books and the mad summer lasts 3 months!
The church Notre-Dame, a jewel of Romanesque surprised by its vast proportions and magnificence: 122 meters long, 72 meters high for its steeple. The original Romanesque portals and 4 side opened, the 12th century nave and four aisles of the church. The current portal was rebuilt in the 16th century.
The magnificent Gothic rooms accommodate exhibitions of national scope such as the recent exposure of "Cat" of Philip Geluck.
See also: the historic streets, crossing the Porterie, Cellier monks, the garden of the Benedictines, the ramparts, the stone bridge (XVI) in "donkey", etc..
The forest is a splendid Bertranges reserve large animals. Covering an area of 10 000 hectares, it contains a very diverse flora. The outdoor enthusiasts are not mistaken. It's paradise for walkers and cyclists. Tracks and circuits arranged.
In Charity, we are also in the Loire Valley, a protected nature reserve. Wild river, the Loire and defeated creates islands. On the occasion of the floods, the side branches originate or close. Walks and hiking or canoeing are organized in the Reserve Naturelle du Val de Loire, which houses a rich natural heritage for wildlife (270 species) and fauna (200 species). Beavers have returned.
Discover also: the vineyard. Formerly operated by the Benedictine monks, it was prestigious. It had its place on the table of kings. It was destroyed by phylloxera in the late 19th century. For several years, winemakers have worked at it by replanting the 2 typical Burgundian varietals: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Since then, the vineyard has gained notoriety. Some plots worked by the Sancerre wine producing wines that are found on a few large tables in Paris!
- La Charité-sur-Loire city was ranked the book in 2000 for its economic activities around the book trade. In this city of 5 500 residents, found a dozen booksellers and other book trade: bookbinder, printer, calligrapher, illuminator ... Attracting around 60 000 visitors, events are scheduled throughout the year:
- From October to March, monthly markets to antique books, the 3rd Sunday of each month.
- In March unfolds Children's Book Festival.
- The 3rd Sunday in April, the biggest market for old books in the spring.
- The festival Forgot early June
- Frequently Asked ancient books and old papers.
- The night of the book on the 1st Saturday in August.
- And from 1 July to 31 August, cultural events Fol summer, which produces international artists, will succeed:
- Piano Festival.
- Festival Strings.
- Blues Festival in the Loire.
| ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND |
- The city of Nevers, an imperial city.
- The Magny Court.
- The Canal du Morvan.
- The village of Mesves-sur-Loire (8 km) with its famous pottery and stoneware.
- Cycling.
- Canoe Kayak.
- Riding ...
- Outputs "slab of deer" in September.
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| www.lacharitesurloire-tourisme.com | Tourist Office La Charité-sur-Loire |
| Wednesday 15 February | Day
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| | Thursday 16 February | Day
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| | Friday 17 February | Day
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 | L'auberge de verdigny Verdigny | | | Hostel known for local cuisine of qualitée. Specialitée Berry, summer terrace furnished. Banquet room, vaulted cellar and tasting room sales vin. Automne cheminée. Visite with guided... | | Located 25 km from La Charité-sur-Loire | From 15 € to 35 € per person |
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 | La Chaume du Pont Garigny | | | 240 km south of PARIS (including motorway: 220 km), east of Berry on the edge of Burgundy, at the foot of the Romanesque church of a village of fewer than 300 inhabitants, La Chaume... | | Located 14.2 km from La Charité-sur-Loire | From 280 € to 380 € per week |
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 | La halte du tacot Sancerre | | | Traditional house independent. Fully renovated, very good comfort, located in Sancerre, a quiet place. Fully-equipped kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one with bathtub), garden furniture,... | | Located 22 km from La Charité-sur-Loire | From 520 € to 625 € per week |
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 | Meublé de tourisme Nevers | | | Catering in the historic center of the city of Nevers. 43 m² comfortably furnished including a living room with sofa bed, dining area and fully equipped kitchen: microwave, hob, oven,... | | Located 23 km from La Charité-sur-Loire | 200 € per week |
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