Architectural Heritage near Chenonceaux and Amboise
BLERE VILLAGE
BLERE
The name of Bléré is believed to originate from Celtic - (Bled Ré). It stands on the left bank of the river Cher, on the pilgrimage road from Paris to Saint Jacques de Compostelle and Spain.
Chapelle Jehan de Seigne: On the site of an old cemetery, now a public park, is a funeral chapel built by Jehan de Seigne in memory of his father, Guillaume, treasurer of the Royal Artillery.
Saint Christophe Church: dating between 12th-15th century. The church built on the site of an old priory is dedicated to Saint Christopher. It comprises 3 aisles, each of different size and dates. The north part is the early church of St Christopher, and at the end of the nave is the choir dating from the 12th century. To the north of this area 2 chapels have been added. One gives on to the choir and dates from 15th c. and the other opens on to the nave and dates from the 16th c. The decoration is from the Renaissance period. One should note a piéta from the Bléré sculptor, Louis Borie.
The Grand Loge: At the end of rue Madame is the Grand Loge, built in 1446 by Pierre Bérard.
