Medieval town of Saint-Aignan | Sud Val de Loire Tourisme

On the banks of the Cher

A scenic route will guide you through the courtyard of the Renaissance château, past the Collegiate Church of Saint-Aignan — a remarkable religious site in the Cher Valley, home to over 250 intricately carved capitals in its upper level, and 12th-14th centuries frescoes in its crypt. Then, wander into the oldest districts of the town, where traces of the Middle Ages come to life through half-timbered houses and cobbled alleyways…

Not to be missed

• The main courtyard of the château

• The Collegiate Church and its crypt

• The half-timbered houses

• The Hôtel-Dieu, a 1671 building attributed to Mansart

The Collegiate Chuch

Considered the most beautiful church in the Cher Valley, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Aignan is a must-see during your stay. As you explore the many Romanesque treasures of the region, this site will leave you with unforgettable memories steeped in history and emotion.

The upper church

Built on the ancient promontory of Agnan, this magnificent collegiate church is a prime example of pure Romanesque style, both in the refinement of its architecture and the richness of its decor. Over 250 sculpted capitals decorate the upper church — some depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, others featuring elegant ornamental motifs.

The apse, sanctuary, and transept, topped by a central bell tower, date back to the 11th century.

The crypt

Previously known as ‘Église St Jean‘ or ‘Église des grottes‘, the crypt is the church’s original structure.

This architectural gem features 10th-century wall paintings illustrating episodes from the legend of Saint Gilles.

At the heart of the crypt, the choir, connected to the ambulatory by three low openings, forms a cul-de-four vault where the oldest fresco can be admired:
‘Christ in Majesty’, a work inspired by Byzantine art (late 11th century), enclosed within a striking double mandorla.

la collégiale de Saint-Aignan — ©SudValdeLoire

More to explore

The Hôtel-Dieu

The current building was constructed by Mansart around 1671, at the request of Louise de Colbert — daughter of Colbert and wife of the Duke of Beauvilliers, who built the Renaissance château.
For many centuries, the Hôtel-Dieu served as the hospital of Saint-Aignan.

The Villa Rose

This house, located at 18 Avenue Gambetta in Saint-Aignan, was built by local architect Monsieur Duchereau. It was one of the first in the area to feature a reinforced concrete and brick structure, reflecting the modernist style emerging in the early 20th century.

Wishing to add an Italian flair, the architect designed a roof terrace and enhanced the exterior façades with decorative graffiti-style frescoes. The artwork was created in 1922 by three Florentine artists, who spent several months bringing the design to life.