Saint-Michel-des-Lions Church

The church gets its name from the two stone lions guarding its southern steps. It is a remarkable sanctuary, thanks to its typical Limousin-style steeple, its vast indoor area and relics of the diocese' main saints. It took over a century to build the current edifice. Only the arched volumes date back to the original building, which was greatly modified : lean-to side chapels between the buttresses in the 15th century, additional side aisle added to the west side in 1522, new flamboyant-style bays and north gate. Indoor, the intention was quite audacious: three parallel arch-ribbed vaults of the same height are separated by very fine piers. Notice the monumental reliquary altar housing Saint Martial’s relics, the city's patron saint, and rich furniture such as Sainte Valérie's 15th centruy statue and a 17th century painting by Claude Vignon. The church is a registered Historical Monument.