The priory of La Charité-sur-Loire forms the historic centre around which the town developed. It was founded in 1059 by the powerful Cluniac Order. Guided tours of the priory and the town are offered year-round, including themed walks through the Loire district as well as the Hôtelleries and Saint-Jacques districts.
Culture and history
The priory of La Charité-sur-Loire is open to visitors free of charge year-round. From May to October, it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; from November to April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Cité du Mot is developing a cultural project centred on words in all their forms within the priory and in La Charité-sur-Loire. It bears the “Centre Culturel de Rencontre” label awarded by the French Ministry of Culture. The Ancien domaine prioral in La Charité-sur-Loire is partly listed as a historic monument and partly classified as a historic monument.
The Church of Notre-Dame has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France along the Via Lemovicensis via Vézelay. In La Charité-sur-Loire, Déambullassons complements the town walk with a site-specific audio trail: the sounds are triggered automatically when visitors enter the sound zones identified through geolocation. The stone bridge to La Charité-sur-Loire was built in 1520.
Nature
The Val de Loire National Nature Reserve extends into the municipality of La Charité-sur-Loire. It covers 1,454 hectares along a 19-kilometre river corridor. Year-round, the Val de Loire National Nature Reserve offers themed events and three educational trails.
Getting around
Near La Charité-sur-Loire, there are six signposted cycling tours with varying levels of difficulty and distances ranging from 18 to around 30 kilometres. The Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela passes through La Charité-sur-Loire, where pilgrims can take a break before continuing on to Bourges.
The traditional Loire barge La Mignonette offers boat trips on the river from La Charité-sur-Loire.
Local life
A market is held on Saturdays at Place du Général de Gaulle in La Charité-sur-Loire. The La Charité-sur-Loire market includes, among others, fruit and vegetable sellers, fishmongers, winegrowers, florists, cheesemongers and poultry sellers.
A five-day festival in La Charité-sur-Loire combines artistic, cultural and community events, including performances, concerts and other activities.
Those planning their stay in La Charité-sur-Loire will want to rent a holiday apartment.
