If you're passing through Montrichard, don't miss the Sainte-Croix church! This elegant Romanesque church, set high above the town, will surprise you with its majestic sobriety and a few nuggets inside.
Here are our tips for visiting the Sainte-Croix church in Montrichard, in the village of Montrichard.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Saint-Nicolas worthwhile?
Yes, without hesitation. This is one of Montrichard's oldest monuments, with foundations dating back to the 11th century!
It owes its name to a relic of the true cross brought back from Jerusalem by Foulques Nerra. Built in the 11th century as the castle chapel, it was the site of the wedding of Anne de Beaujeu and Jeanne de France, daughters of King Louis XI.
What you can see
A sober yet harmonious façade
Start your visit by checking out the façade! There are many eye-catching details, including columns with historiated capitals, twisted voussoirs, sculpted modillions in the shape of human or animal heads, and two small gargoyles! The whole is a blend of austerity and elegance. The porch and bell tower date from the 19th century.
As you enter the church, you'll discover a single nave, bathed in light, with a deliberately uncluttered decor. The barrel vaults, massive pillars and harmonious proportions give the whole a feeling of inner peace. Don't forget to look up to see the lovely old roof structure!
The stained glass windows
While you're strolling around, we recommend you take in the vibrant collection of stained-glass windows, which contrast with the wood-inlaid Stations of the Cross!
Its astonishing chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Here's our favorite part of the church: this unexpected little chapel, bursting with motifs and colors!
Other details not to be missed
The church of Sainte-Croix is home to other curiosities that you can discover with a keen eye:
- The statue of Joan of Arc in the chapel,
- Female faces inlaid on certain vaults,
- The painting "Christ Appearing to the Magdalene", a 17th-century oil painting!
Sainte-Croix church in Montrichard: how to get there
Where to find Sainte-Croix church
The Sainte-Croix church is located at 5 Mnt Grand Degrés Sainte-Croix, in Montrichard in the Cher Valley.
Access by car and parking
The village of Montrichard is within easy reach of the A10 freeway from Paris and the A11 from Nantes.
Public parking is available at the entrance to Montrichard, 17 quai Jean Bart.
From the parking lot, it's an 8-minute walk to the church.
Public transport access
It is possible to reach Montrichard by train from Paris, taking the train to Tours and then taking the ter to Montrichard. The church can be reached in 20 minutes on foot or by bus (more info on the public transport website here).
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Visiting difficulties
While the church is accessible on one level, you'll have to climb a few steps from the village center to get there...
Tips for visiting the Church of the Holy Cross
Schedules and prices
The church is generally open during the day, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free.
How long
The church can be visited in 10 to 15 minutes.
Best moment
We recommend a visit in the morning to enjoy the beautiful light through the stained glass windows. And as with all religious buildings, avoid service times.
Direction of visit
There's no set direction for your visit, but we recommend that you first take a closer look at the façade before discovering the details hidden inside.
Eating out
While Montrichard has some charming squares, its restaurant offer is rather limited. If, like us, you're a gourmet, we recommend you take a look at Amboise, just a 25-minute drive from Montrichard, and find our list of gourmet addresses here.
Otherwise, we've spotted Montrichard:
- Restaurant Mon Jardin: for healthy, tasty lunch between two visits, in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Le Restaurant Aviné: just a 6-minute drive from the historic center, this hidden address in a vaulted setting dug into the tufa stone, offers a delightful menu of tapas and natural wines (more info here).
Hotels
As mentioned above, we preferred charming addresses outside the city, such asHôtel Les Sources de Cheverny and Château de la Haute Borde.
If you want to stay in the village: Discover the best-rated accommodations in Montrichard.
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Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
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