Church for Sunday - the former Carolingian sanctuary at Cravant-les-Coteaux

Today we feature the church of Saint Léger which sits in the old town 'Vieux Bourg' of Cravant-les-Coteaux. 

The former Carolingian sanctuary has a nave which  dates from the 9th century and is one of the rare well-preserved types of the Carolingian dynasty. The nave leads to the choir which dates from the 12th century and the Notre Dame chapel, occupying the south east transept from the 15th century. 

Despite lying unused for nearly a thousand years, the sanctuary surprisingly stayed intact . In 1865, it was bought by the Société Archéologique de France at a public auction. In 1933 it was 'sold', to the Association des Amis du Vieux Cravant, for the sum of 100 francs. More info. here 

Tuesday for towns and villages in the Loire Valley - Cravant-les-Coteaux

Today we are featuring Cravant-les-Coteaux which sits just over 10km east of Chinon in the heart of wine country. 

This pretty little village offers a good walk past many of the fine wine caves of the area plus a picnic opportunity with a panoramic view over the vineyards.

 It also offers something for history buffs in its ancient church in the old town (Carolingian or Merovingian, depending on what you read) plus a fine example in the village itself. 

Tuesday for towns - Cravant-les-Coteaux

 If  you are visiting Cravant-les-Coteaux which sits just over 10km east of Chinon it is most probably because you are seeking out the fine wines of the local wine makers or  ancient church in the old town with its Carolingian or Merovingian history, depending on what you read, either way you won't be disappointed.

You can take a walk with us here