Located between Orléans and Chambord, in the Valley of the Kings, the Notre-Dame de Cléry Basilica has stood in the heart of the town of Cléry-Saint-André since the 15th century. After several constructions and demolitions, the current Basilica in flamboyant Gothic style was built during the 15th century, under Charles VII and Louis XI. The latter chose it as the place of his final rest.
In 1280, the discovery of a statue of the Virgin was the beginning of what would become the Basilica of Cléry Saint-André. In a small chapel where the statue is installed, pilgrims flock to pray before the Virgin of Cléry, invested with miraculous powers.
In 1302, Simon de Melun, Lord of the Hall in Cléry, founded a chapter of canons and at the same time, the collegiate church of Cléry. A few years later, Philippe Le Bel undertook the construction of a larger church. It was Philippe VI of Valois who laid the first stone of the building in 1339 while the pilgrimage grew.
In the midst of the Hundred Years' War, the English ravaged the collegiate church, leaving only the bell tower as the only vestige. Dunois, Lord of Beaugency, initiated the reconstruction of the collegiate church in 1444. This reconstruction is the fruit of the desire of the kings of France to honor the statue of the Virgin Mary.
From 1459, Louis Since 1894, it has had the title of Basilica.
Raised on a Latin cross plan, the exterior is punctuated by a series of buttresses, flying buttresses and high windows whose regularity is only disturbed by the original bell tower and a few chapels. Even today, the Basilica welcomes many pilgrims who come to pay their respects to the famous statue.
During your visit, discover the film “Basilica” broadcast continuously in the old sacristy. It reveals the inaccessible places of the building but above all, the great beauty of its architecture and the emotion it provides.
All year round: guided tour for groups by reservation only.
Translated by Google •
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