Our take
The largest Romanesque building in the Cantal, and one of the least known. A 12th-century Black Virgin in Majesty, capitals from the Auvergne school, a pilgrimage still active.
The largest Romanesque building in the Cantal and its 12th-century Black Virgin.
The largest Romanesque building in the Cantal, a 12th-century basilica in the heart of Mauriac (a sub-prefecture town). A 12th-century Black Virgin in Majesty, Notre-Dame-des-Miracles, venerated since the Middle Ages. Exceptional historiated capitals, Romanesque north portal. Listed as a Monument Historique (a protected French heritage site). A stop on the Romanesque route of Auvergne. Free entry to the nave. Paid guided tour for the organ and the treasury. Combine it with Salers (35 minutes) or the Sumène valley.
Why we love it
- The 12th-century Black Virgin, venerated since the Middle Ages
- The historiated capitals of the Auvergne Romanesque school
- The polychrome 12th-century baptismal font and the 16th-century wooden Virgin with the Bird
- The Baroque pulpit and its lectern, in the largest Romanesque interior in the Cantal
Top tip
Self-guided visit of the nave, guided tour for the treasury. Can be combined with the Gorges du Mars and Salers (35 minutes). Pilgrimage on the Sunday after 8 May, in honour of Notre-Dame-des-Miracles.
Before you go
- Paid guided tour of the organ and the treasury.
- Entry to the nave is open and free, every day of the year.
- Guided tours must be booked in advance: €4 per person, in groups of 10 or more.
- Free parking, with spaces for motorhomes and coaches.
- To see the pilgrimage, aim for the Sunday after 8 May.
Practical info
- Address
- Pl. Georges Pompidou, 15200 Mauriac, France
15200 Mauriac - Monday9h–18h
- Tuesday9h–18h
- Wednesday9h–18h
- Thursday9h–18h
- Friday9h–18h
- Saturday9h–18h
- Today9h–18h
Opening hours
What visitors say
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Around Notre-Dame-des-Miracles Basilica
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Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of Mauriac. Availability and online booking.
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