Towards 1280, later of numerous démélés with the Benedictines of Charlieu , Franciscans base a convent on the verge of the city, on Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu's.

Destroyed(annulled) towards 1360, the Convent of the Cordeliers was reconstructed the XIV-th end - the XV-th beginning. Occupied by Brothers Conventual Minors, it(he) was closed in 1792 and the last three hunted(chased away) monks.

Buildings(ships) only the convent remain today, the church and the "library" of the monks. Reconstructed in the years 1370-1410 thanks to the generosity of the Lord of Châteaumorand, the big convent, of radiant Gothic style, possesses a very well-kept decoration.

The north gallery in particular is decorated with representational capital(big top) representing funnily the vices and the virtues. It(he) almost left us however : sold in 1910 to a Parisian antique dealer, it was intended to decorate the tennis court of an American billionaire but was classified immediately Ancient memorial. The adjacent church ( the XIV-th end) is remarkable pa its visible skeleton in oak, dating the end of the XVII-th century, and its murals of the XIV-th , XV and XVI-th centuries. In an enfeu, rest(base) the recumbent effigies of the Lords of Châteaumorand ( the XV-th beginning).

In front of the entrance(entry) of the convent, the "House of the Spur", building(ship) of the XVI-th and XVII-th, would have been the chapel funeral of the Convent before being transformed into library.

Being opened in February and November from 10 o'clock till 12. 30 and from 14 o'clock till 17 o'clock, being closed on Mondays. From March 1-st till June 15 and from September 16 till October 31 opened from 10 o'clock till 12. 30 and from 14. 30 till 18 o'clock, closed on safe Monday holiday. From June 16 till September 15 opened from 10 o'clock till 19 o'clock every day. Closed in December and January. You also can you inform with the Office of Charlieu's tourism.

Credit text : advertising Plaque "Convent of the Cordeliers" - Credit Photo : Crépet