Notre-Dame de La Charité and
its priory
In 1998, UNESCO recognised
La Charité-sur-Loire as one of the stages along the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle trail between Vézelay and Bourges. In the middle of the XIth century, a Benedictine monastery dependent upon Cluny was founded in Seyr. It soon became La Charité-sur-Loire, a large monastic city and Cluny's "oldest daughter".

Visitors can now discover the following buildings:
The Notre-Dame church (XI, XII, XVIIth century)
Remains of the XII th century Saint-Laurent church (archaeological garden) Monastery premises:
Chapter room (XVII- XIVth century), temporary exhibitions.
Monks' refectory (XVIIIth century), temporary exhibitions.
Cloister (XVII-XVIIIth century)
Monks' cellar (XIII-XVIth century), only for groups.
Priory dwelling(XVIth century), outside only.

Historical city
The medieval city, surrounded by walls, was built around the priory. Pilgrims contributed to its wealth and influential trade. There are many narrow streets and passages to discover: the opening by which sailors had access to the Loire River quay, the 84 steps, rue des Chapelins, Clog maker's home, etc.

La Charité, capital of books
In spring 2000, La Charité opened its doors to books, a centre of interest at a national level, to delight researchers, collectors, book enthusiasts, and readers. "La Charité sur LIVRES" is an association of 15 book professionals and book crafts (bookshop owners, second-hand booksellers, binding calligraphy, illumination, parchment making) who decided to create an energetic, determined group in the heart of the historical city. Free entry. Self-guided tour.
Open: year round: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays - open daily during school holidays.

Annual town events:
Ancient book Market, in April
"Cloister and bells" music festival, 18-20 July
Ancient book and paper Fair, 20 July
Book Night, 2 August
Medieval Festival, 9-10 August
Halloween Festival, 25 October
See also the event calender

Municipal museum
Medieval archaeology: furnishings from archaeological digs of the La Charité Clunisian priory, XI-XVIth centuries. Decorative objects from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods (1880-1930). Sculptures by Alfredo Pina, whose style is related to Rodin. Room devoted to file and rasp cutters, XIX-XXth centuries.
Open:
April through June & September through November, daily except Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 & 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
December through March, on weekends 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 & 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. In July & August, daily except Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 & 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Closed for holidays and in January. Free entry.

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