
Old Town Selles-sur-Cher
Discover Selles-sur-Cher's ancient Collegiate Church, a Romanesque marvel with a crypt of 11th-century frescoes and a bucolic village atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Old Town Selles-sur-Cher
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Selles-sur-Cher's ancient Collegiate Church, a Romanesque marvel with a crypt of 11th-century frescoes and a bucolic village atmosphere.
"A beautiful surprise, a bucolic village where everything seems to have remained unchanged for hundreds of years."

Free Audio Guide 🎧
Don't miss the free audio guide for the crypt; it's highly recommended for understanding the history!
Explore the Crypt 🗝️
Descend the large staircase to the Romanesque crypt for a truly unique and mysterious experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Collegiate Church Crypt
Beneath the Collegiate Church
Discover 11th-century frescoes of rare beauty in an exotic, mysterious crypt. An absolute must-see!

Sumptuous Frescoes
Various locations within historic buildings
Marvel at exquisite Byzantine-inspired frescoes, including the 13th-century Christ in Majesty and 12th/13th-century scenes.

Recumbent Statue of Jeanne de Perellos
North side of the Collegiate Church
See the striking statue of Jeanne de Perellos, a figure from local lore, adding a touch of intrigue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Audio Guide 🎧
Don't miss the free audio guide for the crypt; it's highly recommended for understanding the history!
Explore the Crypt 🗝️
Descend the large staircase to the Romanesque crypt for a truly unique and mysterious experience.
Architectural Gem ✨
Considered an architectural gem, take your time to admire the details and frescoes.
Bucolic Village Charm 🏡
Enjoy the unchanged, bucolic atmosphere of this historic village.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Audio Guide 🎧
Don't miss the free audio guide for the crypt; it's highly recommended for understanding the history!
Explore the Crypt 🗝️
Descend the large staircase to the Romanesque crypt for a truly unique and mysterious experience.
Architectural Gem ✨
Considered an architectural gem, take your time to admire the details and frescoes.
Bucolic Village Charm 🏡
Enjoy the unchanged, bucolic atmosphere of this historic village.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Selles-sur-Cher for its exquisite historical sites, particularly the Collegiate Church and its crypt, which are described as architectural gems with rare frescoes. The tranquil, bucolic atmosphere is a major draw, offering a step back in time. Some visitors note that dining options can be limited, and finding food might require some effort.
"Correct"
John DOE
"Church open until 22.
Great opportunity for free audio guide.
Exquisite history, splendid chapters.
Considered an architectural gem, it boasts sumptuous frescoes; the oldest of all is the one on the base of the oven: Christ in Majesty, of Byzantine inspiration (late 13th century).
The axial chapel has paintings dating from the 12th and 13th centuries: the Raising of Lazarus with the Book and the Eagle of St. John.
On the north side, outside, the recumbent statue of Jeanne de Perellos, exiled from the consecrated building for having diverted Louis II of Chalon, Count of Saint-Aignan, from his legitimate wife around 1420."
Claudio del Curto
"A beautiful surprise.
A bucolic village where everything seems to have remained unchanged for hundreds of years."
Renato Evarchi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Town Selles-sur-Cher is best accessed by car, offering a scenic drive through the French countryside. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car is often recommended for flexibility.
Parking is generally available in designated areas around the old town. It's advisable to look for signs indicating public parking lots to avoid any issues.
Yes, Selles-sur-Cher makes for a wonderful day trip, especially if you're exploring the Loire Valley. You can easily spend a few hours soaking in its historic charm.
The nearest larger towns offering more extensive amenities and transport links would be Bourges or Blois, both within a reasonable driving distance.
While official guided tours might be seasonal, the free audio guide for the Collegiate Church crypt is highly recommended and provides excellent historical context.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The old town itself is freely accessible. However, specific attractions like the Collegiate Church crypt may have associated entry fees or require a ticket for the audio guide.
The Collegiate Church is open until 10 PM, offering a chance to experience its ambiance in the evening.
While the church is accessible, the crypt often comes with an audio commentary, which might be included with a small fee or as part of a guided experience. It's best to check on-site for the most current information.
The church is open until 10 PM, but it's always a good idea to confirm specific access times for the crypt, especially outside peak tourist seasons.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but the free audio guide for the crypt is a significant value.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Collegiate Church, with its stunning Romanesque crypt featuring 11th-century frescoes, and the recumbent statue of Jeanne de Perellos are key highlights.
The frescoes are historically significant, with the oldest being the 13th-century Christ in Majesty of Byzantine inspiration, and others dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Absolutely! The historic architecture, ancient frescoes, and bucolic village setting offer numerous picturesque opportunities for photographers.
Expect a tranquil, bucolic atmosphere where time seems to have stood still. It's a peaceful escape into history.
While not explicitly mentioned, the surrounding countryside of the Loire Valley is known for its scenic beauty and potential for walking or cycling routes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the TikTok video mentioned difficulty finding food, there are typically local eateries and restaurants in charming French villages. Exploring the main square or asking locals for recommendations is advised.
It's highly likely that you'll find traditional French cuisine in Selles-sur-Cher, offering local specialties and classic dishes.
While specific local specialties for Selles-sur-Cher aren't detailed, the Loire Valley is known for its excellent wines, cheeses, and regional dishes.
Look for bakeries (boulangeries) for sandwiches or quiches, or smaller cafes which often offer more affordable lunch options.
Options might be limited in smaller, traditional villages. It's best to inquire directly with restaurants about their offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The Collegiate Church, especially its crypt and exterior architecture, the narrow village streets, and the statue of Jeanne de Perellos are prime photo opportunities.
Photography rules can vary. It's generally permitted in public areas of the church, but check for any restrictions within the crypt or for flash photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the ancient stone buildings.
The ancient frescoes, the detailed stonework, and the overall preserved medieval atmosphere offer unique subjects for historical and architectural photography.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the Collegiate Church and the narrowness of the village streets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the village itself is quiet and historic, it's a safe environment for children to explore at a leisurely pace. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options might be limited, and consider the historical context to make the visit more engaging for younger minds.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
Take advantage of the free audio guide to delve deeper into the stories and symbolism behind the artworks. The well-preserved architecture of the Collegiate Church and the overall bucolic atmosphere of the old town provide a rich tapestry of historical discovery.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Enjoy the unhurried pace of the village, perhaps finding a local spot for a quiet meal or a glass of regional wine. It’s a destination that encourages a deeper appreciation for history and a slower way of travel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Collegiate Church and its Crypt
Beyond the crypt, the church itself boasts other exquisite frescoes. The oldest, found on the base of the oven, is the Christ in Majesty, inspired by Byzantine art and dating from the late 13th century. The axial chapel features paintings from the 12th and 13th centuries, including the Raising of Lazarus with the Book and the Eagle of St. John. These artworks are considered splendid chapters of the church's history, making it an architectural gem.
On the north side, outside the consecrated building, stands the striking recumbent statue of Jeanne de Perellos. This figure is part of local lore, said to have diverted Louis II of Chalon, Count of Saint-Aignan, from his legitimate wife around 1420. Her presence adds a layer of intrigue and historical narrative to the site, making the Collegiate Church a multifaceted destination for history and art enthusiasts.
Exploring the Historic Village
While a TikTok video highlighted some challenges in finding food, the general consensus is that the village offers a beautiful setting for exploration. The focus here is on soaking in the historical ambiance and appreciating the architectural heritage. It’s a place to slow down, observe the details, and imagine life in previous centuries.
For those interested in history and architecture, Selles-sur-Cher is a rewarding destination. The opportunity to explore ancient buildings, admire centuries-old frescoes, and experience a preserved historical environment makes it a unique stop in the Loire Valley.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit