Crypte Saint-Solenne, Centre Val De Loire Travel Guide

Discover the ancient Crypte Saint-Solenne, the oldest part of Blois's cathedral, and a site of pilgrimage dating back to the 10th century.

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Crypte Saint-Solenne

Beneath the Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Blois lies the Crypte Saint-Solenne, the most venerable part of the cathedral and a remnant of the original 10th-century church. Housing the relics of Saint Solenne, an advisor to King Clovis, the crypt was expanded in the 11th century to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

A brief summary to Crypte Saint-Solenne

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Crypte Saint-Solenne.

Check the Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Blois's opening hours, as the crypt has limited visiting times.
Explore the Cathédrale Saint-Louis, which incorporates architectural styles from the Gothic and Renaissance periods.
Visit the Musée Emmanuel Bardet, located within the cathedral, to view religious art and artifacts.

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Getting There

Walking

The Crypte Saint-Solenne is located within the Cathédrale Saint-Louis in the heart of Blois. From the Château Royal de Blois, walk northeast along Rue du Palais, then turn right onto Place Saint-Louis. The cathedral will be on your left. There is no fee to enter the cathedral.
Public Transport

The Cathédrale Saint-Louis is accessible by the Blois public transport system. From the Gare de Blois (train station), take the bus towards Auvergne and get off at the 'Cathédrale' stop. The cathedral will be a short walk away. A single bus fare costs approximately €2.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Blois. From the Gare de Blois (train station), a taxi to the Cathédrale Saint-Louis will cost approximately €6-€8. The journey takes around 3 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Crypte Saint-Solenne

The Crypte Saint-Solenne, located beneath the Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Blois, offers a glimpse into the city's religious past. The crypt dates back to the 10th century when a new church was built to honor Saint Solenne, a 5th-century bishop of Chartres. He was a trusted advisor to King Clovis, and legend says he was present at Clovis's baptism. The crypt was built to house the saint's relics, which drew many pilgrims.Over time, the crypt was enlarged to accommodate the growing number of visitors, becoming one of the largest of its kind in the 11th century. In 1132, the Bishop of Chartres entrusted the Saint-Solenne collegiate church to the canons of the Notre-Dame Abbey of Bourgmoyen. Today, the Crypte Saint-Solenne stands as the oldest section of the cathedral, a testament to Blois's long history as a site of Christian pilgrimage.While the crypt is not always open for visits, the Cathédrale Saint-Louis remains open to the public.