Une église magnifique qui abrite un chef-d'oeuvre architectural, sa crypte du 11ème siècle
1 / 10

Old Town Selles-sur-Cher

4.6
·115 reviews·Saint-Aignan, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Une église magnifique qui abrite un chef-d'oeuvre architectural, sa crypte du 11ème siècle

Old Town Selles-sur-Cher

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(115 reviews)

"A beautiful surprise, a bucolic village where everything seems to have remained unchanged for hundreds of years."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Collegiate Church Crypt

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

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

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.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While Old Town Selles-sur-Cher offers charm year-round, consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, allowing for a more immersive experience.

Embrace the History

Old Town Selles-sur-Cher is steeped in history, with architectural gems and ancient frescoes. Take advantage of free audio guides to truly appreciate the stories and artistry within its historic buildings.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Church evenings (until 10 PM)
Why
Unique ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

On a faim!!! Saint-Aignan est un très beau village, vous pouvez vous y promener et aller manger ailleurs 😂😜 #france #saintaignan #francaise #francochinois #vieenfrance
@faguoyisa
6.5K likes • 372.6K views

Free Audio Guide 🎧

Don't miss the free audio guide for the crypt; it's highly recommended for understanding the history! Reddit

Explore the Crypt 🗝️

Descend the large staircase to the Romanesque crypt for a truly unique and mysterious experience. Reddit

Architectural Gem ✨

Considered an architectural gem, take your time to admire the details and frescoes. Reddit

Bucolic Village Charm 🏡

Enjoy the unchanged, bucolic atmosphere of this historic village. Reddit

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! Reddit

Explore the Crypt 🗝️

Descend the large staircase to the Romanesque crypt for a truly unique and mysterious experience. Reddit

Architectural Gem ✨

Considered an architectural gem, take your time to admire the details and frescoes. Reddit

Bucolic Village Charm 🏡

Enjoy the unchanged, bucolic atmosphere of this historic village. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(115 reviews)

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

Exquisite frescoes
Historic crypt
Bucolic village charm

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

The nearest larger towns offering more extensive amenities and transport links would be Bourges or Blois, both within a reasonable driving distance. TikTok

While official guided tours might be seasonal, the free audio guide for the Collegiate Church crypt is highly recommended and provides excellent historical context. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

The Collegiate Church is open until 10 PM, offering a chance to experience its ambiance in the evening. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available, but the free audio guide for the crypt is a significant value. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! The historic architecture, ancient frescoes, and bucolic village setting offer numerous picturesque opportunities for photographers. TikTok

Expect a tranquil, bucolic atmosphere where time seems to have stood still. It's a peaceful escape into history. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, the surrounding countryside of the Loire Valley is known for its scenic beauty and potential for walking or cycling routes. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

It's highly likely that you'll find traditional French cuisine in Selles-sur-Cher, offering local specialties and classic dishes. TikTok

While specific local specialties for Selles-sur-Cher aren't detailed, the Loire Valley is known for its excellent wines, cheeses, and regional dishes. TikTok

Look for bakeries (boulangeries) for sandwiches or quiches, or smaller cafes which often offer more affordable lunch options. TikTok

Options might be limited in smaller, traditional villages. It's best to inquire directly with restaurants about their offerings. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the ancient stone buildings. TikTok

The ancient frescoes, the detailed stonework, and the overall preserved medieval atmosphere offer unique subjects for historical and architectural photography. Reddit

A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the Collegiate Church and the narrowness of the village streets. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Selles-sur-Cher can find a unique educational experience. The Collegiate Church crypt with its ancient frescoes offers a captivating, albeit mysterious, visual journey for children, especially with the engaging audio commentary. Reddit The story of Jeanne de Perellos might also spark their imagination. Reddit

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. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers

For history buffs and art lovers, Selles-sur-Cher is a treasure trove. The sumptuous frescoes, particularly the 13th-century Christ in Majesty and the 11th-century crypt paintings, are of significant artistic and historical value, offering insights into Byzantine and Romanesque influences. Reddit The recumbent statue of Jeanne de Perellos adds a narrative element to the historical exploration. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

Solo travelers and couples seeking a peaceful and historically rich experience will find Selles-sur-Cher ideal. The tranquil, bucolic village setting is perfect for a relaxed stroll and quiet contemplation. Reddit The Collegiate Church crypt offers a unique and intimate encounter with ancient art, enhanced by the informative audio guide. Reddit

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Collegiate Church and its Crypt

The Collegiate Church in Selles-sur-Cher is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. Its most captivating feature is the crypt, accessible via a large staircase, which houses magnificent frescoes dating back to the 11th century. These ancient paintings are described as exotic and mysterious, offering a glimpse into medieval artistry and religious devotion. An explanatory terminal and free audio commentary are available to guide visitors through the underground chambers, providing rich historical context. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Exploring the Historic Village

Old Town Selles-sur-Cher presents itself as a bucolic village where time appears to have stood still for centuries. The charm lies in its preserved architecture and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape from modern life. Wandering through its streets allows visitors to immerse themselves in a bygone era, appreciating the unchanged character of the settlement. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2