Église Saint-Léger d'Ébreuil

Ébreuil

A Romanesque vessel dozing in the hollow of the Sioule valley, discreet guardian of medieval frescoes that have survived the centuries.

Founded in the 10th century by monks from Saint-Maixent, fleeing the Norman invasions and welcomed by King Charles the Simple, the present abbey church was rebuilt at the beginning of the 11th century on land given by King Lothair in 961. It combines a Romanesque nave and porch-tower, of Loire Valley inspiration, with a proto-Gothic east end of 1171 with five radiating chapels. The building preserves important 12th-century wall paintings depicting saints and martyrs, among the best-preserved ensembles in the Bourbonnais.

Getting there : Listed as a monument historique (historic monument) in 1914; church open to visitors in the village of Ébreuil.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound