Abbaye St-Pierre de Solignac

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This still-operational 11th-century church is a Romanesque wonder, renowned for its 14m-wide domed roof. The stalls in the nave are decorated with carved wooden sculptures of human heads, fantastical animals and a monk mooning the world, while the columns depict human figures being devoured by dragons.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Parc Zoologique du Reynou

1.2 MILES

Denizens at this 100-hectare safari park, 4km east of Solignac, include wolves, giraffes, wildebeest, snowy owls and a pair of breeding tigers.

2. Château de Châlucet

2.3 MILES

Five kilometres southeast of Solignac are the moody ruins of the Château de Châlucet, a 12th-century keep occupied by the English during the Hundred Years…

3. Haviland

3.81 MILES

Screens a short film and has a small museum; 3km southeast of Limoges’ centre.

4. Musée des Beaux Arts

5.09 MILES

The city’s wonderful art museum is inside the beautifully restored 18th-century bishops’ palace. Get an overview of the town's history through Roman…

6. Jardin de l’Évêché

5.11 MILES

Alongside Cathédrale St-Étienne, Limoges’ beautiful botanical garden stretches down towards the river, with super views. Medicinal and toxic herbs have…

7. Cathédrale St-Étienne

5.15 MILES

Built between 1273 and 1888, Limoges’ Gothic cathedral is worth a visit for the Flamboyant-style Portail St-Jean, as well as a glorious rose window, a…

8. Chapelle St-Aurélien

5.18 MILES

Tiny 1475 Chapelle Saint-Aurélien, dedicated to the patron saint of butchers, was acquired and maintained by the butchers' guild.