Couvent des Cordeliers de Charlieu
Couvent des Cordeliers de Charlieu, Gothic convent in Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu, France.
The Couvent des Cordeliers is a Gothic convent in Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu defined by its interior galleries with continuous arches and exterior buttresses decorated with rosettes. The building preserves one original gargoyle at its southwest corner and displays fine medieval architectural details throughout its structure.
The convent was destroyed in 1360 during the Hundred Years War but was rebuilt at the end of the 14th century by Hugh of Châtelus, lord of Chateaumorand. This reconstruction allowed the Gothic structure to take the form it displays today.
The carved capitals in the north gallery show animals and human figures that medieval craftsmen placed there as expressions of everyday life. You notice a monkey, snake, parrot, and an elderly person among the stone details, suggesting these artisans drew inspiration from the world around them.
You can explore the site from Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours during peak season and shorter hours in the quieter months. Comfortable shoes are useful since you'll be walking through galleries and courtyards throughout your visit.
In 1910, American owners planned to dismantle two gallery sections and use them to decorate a tennis court in California. Local authorities intervened quickly and saved the medieval stonework from being shipped overseas.
Location: Charlieu
Location: Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu
Fee: Yes
Address: chemin des Cordeliers
Opening Hours: December-January,November Saturday,Sunday 10:00-13:00,14:00-17:00; February-March 10:00-13:00,14:00-17:00; February-March,April-May,September-October Tuesday off; April-May,September-October 10:00-13:00,14:00-18:00; June-August 10:00-18:30
Phone: +33477600742
Website: http://couventdescordeliers.fr
GPS coordinates: 46.15850,4.16120
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46
Between plains, dormant volcanoes, and deep forests, the Loire reveals a wealth of cultural heritage. Here, medieval castles stand alongside the wild landscapes of gorges and the Pilat massif, abbeys weave through hills and valleys, and fortified villages still carry the scent of the Middle Ages....
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Château de Vougy
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Château de Montrenard
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Église Saint-Philibert de Charlieu
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Église Saint-Irénée de Briennon
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Église Saint-Denis de Saint-Denis-de-Cabanne
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Église Saint-Pierre de Pouilly-sous-Charlieu
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Domaine de la Doux
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Église Saint-Éloi de Chandon
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Église Saint-Hilaire de Saint-Hilaire-sous-Charlieu
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Saint Crispin
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Église abbatiale Saint-Fortuné de Charlieu
550 m
Vieux Pont
1.1 km
Église du couvent des Cordeliers de Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu
23 m
Église Saint-Nizier de Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu
3 km
Maison, 29 rue André-Farinet
899 m
Maison, 12 rue Charles de Gaulle
841 m
Maison des Anglais
929 m
Chapelle de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Charlieu
792 m
Hôtel des Armagnacs
826 m
Muséo'Parc du Marinier
5.8 km
Maison, 19 place Saint-Philibert, rue des Moulins
712 m
Maison à pans de bois, 11 rue des Moulins, rue du Merle
709 m
Maison, 1 rue Jean Morel
679 m
Ancien grenier à sel de Charlieu
928 m
Chapelle du Prieur de Charlieu
597 m
Hôtel-Dieu de Charlieu
772 m
Château de Gatellier
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