Crypte Saint-Solenne: An Ancient Pilgrimage Site
Discover the ancient Crypte Saint-Solenne, the oldest part of Blois's cathedral, and a site of pilgrimage dating back to the 10th century.
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
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
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