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.
Exposition de M. Dejaegher
- From 3 to 29 june 2024
- 5 Place Sainte-Croix, Office de Tourisme
- Bernard Dejaegher is an artist from Gassin who began painting at the age of 15. Alongside this passion, he has launched into sculpture, creating totally unique works using planes, driftwood and old tools. His astonishing works, some of which have been sold internationally (Belgium, Australia and even the United States), still arouse curiosity, interest and admiration. The exhibition is on show at the La Charité-sur-Loire tourist office from 3 June to 29 June.
Festival Yoga en Loire
- From 7 to 9 june 2024
- 8 cour du chateau, prieure de la charite-sur-loire, cite du mot
- The Festival Yoga en Loire is an event for the general public, to be shared with professionals and enthusiasts of yoga and well-being from the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region and beyond. It was created by Stéphanie Bernard and Valérie Assadourian. - The event is open to all : beginners and the uninitiated, families, children and teenagers, people with reduced mobility, seniors and others interested in well-being practices. - The festival is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the world of yoga, and to highlight issues such as health, ecology, transmission and spirituality. - From 7 to 9 June 2024, we look forward to seeing you at the Prieuré de La Charité, Cité du Mot in La Charité-sur-Loire, where you can take part in a wide range of yoga classes, learn more about yoga in Master Classes and workshops, listen to traditional music in two concerts, relax in the Massage Bar and stroll through the exhibitors' market. - All in a joyous atmosphere of sharing and living well together !
Stage : l'Enluminure - l'Initiale Dorée
- On 8 june 2024
- 33T Rue des Chapelains, Callibris
- Illumination workshop with Patricia Muller
Chanter [et Penser] le Québec
- On 15 june 2024
- 8 cour du château, Cité du Mot Cellier du Prieuré de La Charité sur Loire
- Les Barricades Mystérieuses offer a new evening for the Charitois public : - This is not a concert… - … It's not a philosophical talk either, but it's not much of one, since this show, which of course isn't one (see Magritte's famous painting 'Ceci n'est pas une pipe'), features a philosopher who becomes a singer in the company of a guitarist who in turn becomes a philosopher-singer. - Laurent Bibard (the philosopher) and Jean Horreaux (the guitarist), who share a passion for French chanson, propose these encounters in which songs and philosophical views will alternate around the different themes illustrated by the lyrics and music of Quebec's chanson greats. - It's a way for the two 'philostrophes' to revive the worlds of Félix Leclerc, Gilles Vigneault and Georges Dor, all of whom knew what singing meant. - Vincent Colpaerte will add a little Quebecois accent to the evening.
Calligraphie en Liberté
- On 22 june 2024
- 33T Rue des Chapelains, Atelier des Arts et Métiers du Livre
- Find elements in nature to make writing elements. Discover expressive calligraphy by freeing the gesture.
4e Festival du Mat
- From 22 to 23 june 2024
- 8 cour du Château, Salle capitulaire - Prieuré
- Saturday at 2.30pm, blitz tournament in 9 rounds of 5 min + 2 sec/shot - Scoring at 2pm - €10 - Tournament followed by a tasting. - Sunday at 10am, rapid tournament in 7 rounds of 12 min + 3 sec/shot - Scoring at 9.30am - €15 - Participation in the 2 tournaments : €20. B licence available. Half-price for women and under-18s. Registration and payment online only : https://tour-blanche-echecs.assoconnect.com/collect/description/384494-w-4e-festival-du-mat-22-23-juin-2024 - Many prizes in bottles of wine and books, as well as invitations to the Tour Blanche Festival on Saturday 21 September 2024. - Snacks and snacks on site.
Le Prieuré d’Hier à Aujourd’hui
- On 28 june 2024
- Place Sainte-Croix, Rendez-vous devant l'Office de tourisme
- From the church to the cloister, via the porter's house and the chapter house, this tour traces the history of the Benedictine priory of La Charité, whose church is a World Heritage Site, and looks at the current challenges of its renovation. The tour is part of voilà l'été dans la cité !
Voilà l’été Dans la Cité !
- From 28 june to 22 september 2024
- Cours du Château, Prieuré de La Charité
- The voilà l'été dans la cité ! Programme brings together all the summer activities offered by the Cité du Mot and its partners in La Charité-sur-Loire : exhibitions, guided tours, summer quarters for the library in the cloister, festivals, creative workshops and events linked to the summer theme of "water in the city : natural and urban heritage". - Detailed programme and venues on the Cité du Mot website : http://www.citedumot.fr - info@citedumot.fr
Stage Comprendre la Couleur - Théorie et Pratique
- On 3 july 2024
- 10, Rue du Pont, Galerie du Pont
- A day to discover or deepen the theory of colours essential to a mastered pictorial practice. - Alternating theoretical contributions and practical exercises for each stage of this immersion in the world of colour. - Materials to bring : - - acrylic paint : (120 ml tubes) the 3 primaries yellow, red magenta, blue cyan + black + white - - brushes of various sizes, including a brush and a small brush - - rag - - hair dryer - The painting material can be provided on request when booking ( + 10 €) - Equipment provided : - - loan of an easel - - palette and cup - - cardboard supports - - course booklet - Limited to 8 people
Stage Les Blancs en Peinture
- On 4 july 2024
- 10 Rue du Pont, Galerie du Pont
- Exploring the infinite pictorial possibilities of white. - The use of white is not limited to fading colours. - Opaque, transparent, coloured, shaded, extinguished or bright, dominant or underlying. - All the uses and colours of white will be explored and experimented with during this day. - After a morning of experimentation, you will work on the nuances of white from a subject of your choice (figurative or abstract) - - a photo you bring with you - - composition of objects installed in the workshop - - without any particular support - Technique : acrylic paint - Materials to bring : - - acrylic paint : everything you have and at least the 3 primaries (primary yellow, magenta red, cyan blue) + titanium white + zinc white (it is very important to have the 2 whites) + black - Provide good quality tubes (Talens-Amsterdam, Liquitex, Sennelier) and a capacity of about 120ml (the black can be a small tube) - - brushes. - Paint material provided on request at the time of booking (extra cost of 10 €) - Materials provided : - - pallets, cups, stands - Possibility of accommodation on site (3 bed gîte) - information on request