Germigny-Des-Prés: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Carolingian Oratory is considered one of the oldest churches in France. Théodulphe had an oratory built in Germigny-des-Prés in 806; it is one of the few surviving buildings from the Carolingian period in France.

Renting a holiday apartment in Germigny-des-Prés can be part of your travel planning.

Culture

The Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés preserves the only surviving Carolingian mosaic in France. The Carolingian mosaic depicts the Ark of the Covenant with two cherubim above it; it is flanked by two archangels, between whom the hand of God appears. In the garden next to the oratory, there is also a lantern for the dead dating from the 9th century.

The oratory is open daily for free, unguided visits. The Grange Germignonne houses the tourist office’s exhibition room, with explanations and objects from the oratory; the exhibition includes mosaic fragments.

Paths and Routes

The PR des Verdiaux – A14 circular hiking trail is 16 km long; its stated duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes. It starts at the Carolingian Oratory on Place de l'Église, where the car park is also located. The trail follows the GR 3 to the Loire dike and, after reaching the Loire dike, leads to the Loire à Vélo route.

The PR de Saint-Eloi – A13 also follows the GR 3 to the Loire dike. The Sentier du Grand Clair forms a circular route around the town centre, through the oratory garden and along the Bonnée River.

For cyclists, the 15 km-long cycling loop “Between Carolingian History and Roman History” runs between Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and Germigny-des-Prés. A secure bicycle storage box is available near the oratory; the access code can be obtained from the tourist office.

Geographical Location

Germigny-des-Prés lies within the Val de Loire area designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More local pages: Sennely, Gien, Cernoy-En-Berry, Saint-Pryvé-Saint-Mesmin, Combleux, Engenville, Yèvre-La-Ville, Vitry-Aux-Loges

To the main travel overview: Loiret.