Surrounded by ramparts, the medieval town of La Charité-sur-Loire, standing by the Loire river, is famous for its Clunisian priory. Founded in 1059, this Benedictine monastery, part of the Order of Cluny, is a remarkable example of Burgundian Romanesque art, along with its church, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Way of St. James.
Many relics still remain from its past as a major monastic town: discover the Priory Church of Notre-Dame, a gem of Clunisian architecture from the 11th and 12th centuries, the Sainte-Croix bell tower, the convent buildings - chapter house, 18th-century cloister, monks' cellar, prior's lodge - as well as the Benedictines' garden, where the ruins of the old Church of Saint-Laurent are preserved.
Around the priory, enjoy a walk to admire the attractions of the historical quarter, such as the picturesque side streets, passages and flights of steps, medieval ramparts, and various shops devoted to the world of books. Bookshops, book dealers, calligraphers, illuminators and binders make La Charité-sur-Loire a real book town... An ideal destination for lovers of reading and collectors of old publications!
A number of book-related events take place every year in the town, including the festival of words in June, the old book and document fair in July, book night in August, and a book market on the third Sunday of each month between October and March.
A few kilometres east of La Charité-sur-Loire lies the verdant Bertranges Forest, a vast oak wood that's ideal for walking and relaxation...
Located on the banks of the Loire, 2 hours from Paris by car or train, La Charité-sur-Loire is a medieval city with the Notre Dame church is listed on the World Heritage List in 1998. A major step on Saint-Jacques paths 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" 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 Church at the time, the second largest church in Christendom after Cluny! The closing of the monastery including the Notre Dame church, the St. Lawrence church, monastic buildings, the courses and the Garden of the Benedictines reflect the magnitude of this Cluny foundation. 200 monks will then stay in buildings. Many pilgrims passing enjoying "the charity of good fathers," theological virtue which gave its name to the city.
Choke point on the Loire, the monastery was enriched. His influence spans 45 priories and 400 outbuildings in France and 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 developed 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 it's ultimately a huge fire which will precipitate his ruin.
Much of the monastery and 200 homes were destroyed. The city is rebuilt the monastery but the decline begins and will last 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 to make their homes. The priory is the 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 the one 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 / 10th of its surface.
Since 2001, major restoration work has to cleverly highlight the remains of the St. Lawrence church, the garden of the Benedictines, graves of the tenth 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 eighteenth century (North Wing) were also completed.
Charity is now a charming small city, located in a beautiful environment between Loire and forest wild Bertranges second oak from France. Its heritage attracts fans from all over France. It is also a city with an intense cultural activity.
The Notre-Dame, a jewel of Romanesque surprised by its vast proportions and magnificence: 122 meters long, 72 meters high for its steeple. The Romanesque portal of origin and four secondary gates opened in the twelfth century in the nave and the four church collateral. The current gate was rebuilt in the sixteenth century.
The magnificent Gothic rooms accommodate exhibitions of national scope.
See also: the historic streets, passing the Gatehouse, Cellier monks, the garden of the Benedictines, the walls, the stone bridge (XVI) in "donkey" etc.
The forest is a splendid Bertranges reserve large animals. In 10,000 hectares, it is home to a very diverse flora. Outdoor enthusiasts there are unmistakable. It is a paradise for walkers and cyclists. Tracks and circuits arranged.
A La Charité-sur-Loire, we are also in the Loire Valley, a protected nature reserve. Wild river, the Loire and defeated creates islands. On the occasion of floods, the secondary arms are born or close. Walking and hiking and canoeing are organized in the Natural Reserve of the 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 nineteenth century. For several years, winemakers have worked at it by replanting the 2 varieties typical Burgundy: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Since then, the winery has gained notoriety and has the name "Côtes de La Charité".
- The 3rd Sunday of April, it is the largest market for old books spring.
- The festival Aux Quatre Coins du forgot the Ascension weekend.
- Frequently Asked ancient books and old papers on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
- Night Book 1st Saturday of August.
- In July and August: That Summer in the City.
- Grapes Format Festival in June.
- Blues Festival in the Loire in August.
- the Musical Festival in September-October.
- Great Ways Festival in the fall.
Concours de Fleurissement et de Végétalisation
- From 15 march to 1 may 2024
- Place du Général de Gaulle, Ville
- The City's efforts are thus complemented and encouraged by the initiatives of local residents. - The aim of the competition is to encourage individuals and businesses to improve their surroundings, which is one of the ways in which the quality of life is enhanced and tourists are made more welcome. - The competition will reward personal achievements. It's not just a question of quantity of flowers, but of quality and harmony. Lastly, it will encourage any initiative that seeks to respect the environment by adopting practices that are compatible with sustainable development. - The 2 competition categories are - 1. Windows/Balconies or walls in bloom - 2. Houses with gardens visible from the street - For each of these categories, three prizes will be offered to the winners by the municipality - Participation in the competition is free and open to all residents of La Charité-sur-Loire.
Boutique Éphémère Art & Création
- From 5 to 28 april 2024
- 10 Place des Pêcheurs, anciennement pharmacie Ray
- Once again this year, an ephemeral art and design boutique will be opening its doors this spring. - Set up in a vacant shop from 5 to 28 April 2024, right in the heart of La Charité sur Loire, the exhibition will showcase the work of a number of artists, designers and craftspeople from the Nièvre and surrounding area. - The programme includes ceramics, artists' objects, painting, photography, textiles and lots of other unusual, surprising and beautiful things. - Open from 10am to 7pm every day. - Apply here : https://www.tehef.fr/accueil/inscriptions-exposants - More info soon ! See less
Exposition de Mme Larochette
- From 16 to 27 april 2024
- 5 Place Sainte-Croix, Office de Tourisme
- A self-taught draughtswoman, I improved my skills by joining an association, "les peintres de la forêt", in Mehun-sur-Yèvre. I try out all the different techniques, but prefer coloured pencils - it's very relaxing. - I like colourful artistic movements that are a bit crazy and fun. - Photography came to me later, when I was able to get a camera that was a bit more powerful than a simple compact. I joined a photography club, the ASEAB, to take photography classes. - When I go for a walk in the forest, in town or in other places, I take my camera with me and I capture the moment, the place and the time, like the chair in the priory, or the fisherman. - Sometimes I sit down and paint the landscape in front of me in watercolour. - Fascinated by the Loire, I decided to make it my theme in the form of illustrated sentences.
Concert du Jeune Choeur de l'Oise
- On 24 april 2024
- Place Sainte-Croix, église Notre-Dame de la Charité-sur-Loire
- As part of its spring tour (3,000 km travelled for 8 concerts on the roads of France), the Jeune Choeur de l'Oise will be singing in concert at the church in Charité-sur-Loire for 1h15 of classical repertoire (gospels, Requiem, etc.), traditional music (spirituals, Mozambique, South Africa, Brazil) and variety (Brel, Goldman, Pagny, etc.). - The 18 singers who make up the Jeune Choeur de l'Oise come from the Cham de l'Oise classes (the equivalent of sport/studies for music). - This date in Nièvre will be the first of the spring tour, which will then take us to Haute-Savoie, the Var, Vaucluse and Aveyron before heading back to Picardy. - The JCO performs between 30 and 40 dates a season throughout Europe, and often appears on television in the programme "300 chœurs".
Stage « THÉÂTRE DÉCOUVERTE »
- From 3 to 5 may 2024
- 17 Rue des Hôtelleries, Théâtre du Bonimenteur
- "discovery theatre - For adults aged 18 and over - This course is for beginners looking for their first experience of theatre. - If you've always wanted to discover the art of theatre, this course is for you. - Discover the stage, the space, yourself, others, being, an author… - We'll work together on exercises for the body, the voice, awareness of the stage and of each other. - And rediscover the freedom to express yourself, to PLAY through this art. - Friday 3 May 7.30pm/9pm - Saturday 4 May 3pm/6pm - Sunday 5 May 2pm/6pm - Price : €50 - (Minimum 8 people) - Information : theatredubonimenteur@gmail.com - 06 66 42 91 21 (feel free to leave a voicemail but no sms or messenger - No sms or messenger please) - Théâtre Du Bonimenteur - 17 rue des hôtelleries - La charité sur Loire - See you soon.
Stage de Gravure
- From 4 to 5 may 2024
- 33T Rue des Chapelains, Callibris
- Introduction to engraving techniques with Lydia Lasota. Engraving on lino, creation of a logo, collage games. By prior arrangement.
Festival Aux Quatre Coins du mot
- From 8 to 12 may 2024
- Centre ville, Cour du Château
- A not-to-be-missed event on Ascension weekend, the La Charité-sur-Loire festival is back to celebrate the word, in all its forms, from 8 to 12 May 2024. - This year, we're inviting you to be REBELS and DECIBELS : to listen again to the "soundtrack of your awakenings", both intimate and noisy, profound and spontaneous, raw and luminous. - There will be indefatigable icons, rebellious lyrics, vital transgressions, comic book stars and music fans, lively punks, games for children and a festive air. - Five days of shows, readings, events, concerts, screenings, meetings, games and exhibitions to suit all tastes and ages ! - You'll come across them, or we'll mention them, in all four corners of the word : Frank Margerin, Renaud Cojo, Magali Le Huche, Coluche, Valérie Nivelon, Rachid Taha, Le chat perplexe, Gonzalo Campo, Alain Guyard, Joëlle Sambi, Sara Machine, TéATr'éPROUVète, Ramadier et Bourgeau, L'arche Éditeur, Tim Crouch, Zoon Besse, Jacques Higelin, Pauline Sauveur, Hervé Bourhis, Angela Davis, Nicolas Richard, Roca et Wally, Charles Berberian, Rubin Steiner, Belkacem Bahlouli, Anaïs Nin et Henry Miller, Laurence Romance, Georges Brassens, Mark Mulholland, Nick Kent, and many others… - All the info on the Cité du Mot website and social networks. - Subscribe to our newsletter : https://citedumot.fr/recevoir-la-newsletter/
La Sieste Punk
- On 12 may 2024
- Parc Adam, Rue des Chapelains
- Collective training in the delicate art of the siesta ! Let's be rebels ! Let's sip ! - The TéATr'éPROUVèTe and the Mouvement International pour le Ralentissement du Temps are offering you a Punk Siesta, with literary and musical delights. As the air gets heavier, don your best nap accessories (cushions, deckchairs, etc.) and let yourself be lulled to sleep.
Exposition de David Garcia
- From 14 may to 1 june 2024
- 5 Place Sainte-Croix, Office de Tourisme
- I was born in southern Spain and emigrated to France with my family when I was 12. After passing my baccalauréat, I was admitted to the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where I obtained a diploma in plastic arts in the painting section. In 1975 I decided to leave Paris and move to the countryside, in the Nièvre region, where I still live. In my Parisian days, I was more attracted to abstraction, but the discovery of nature in the Nièvre reoriented my work, somewhat against the current, towards a different approach to painting. I realised that what I really preferred to paint were the landscapes of my immediate surroundings. I'm rediscovering the Barbizon painters and the Impressionists, whose influence is, I think, evident in my work. I've always felt free to choose to express myself as I see fit, whatever the 'currents' or injunctions of my time. Since then, I've simply tried to share the emotions I feel when faced with nature and the beauty of the world. And if I succeed in conveying even a part of that emotion, I consider that I haven't worked in vain.
Rifle du Comice
- On 20 may 2024
- 40 Rue Sainte-Anne, Salle des fêtes Halle aux grains
- The first Comice riffles are taking place on Monday 20 May ! - Over €2,500 worth of prizes up for grabs. - Come along from 1.30pm to the village hall and try your luck at winning the grand prize ! - Catering and refreshments on site
