Crypte Saint-Solenne Travel Guide

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.