Our take
The capitals of Mozac are among the most studied in European Romanesque art. Known to medievalists, unknown to the general public. 10 minutes from Riom.
A 12th-century Romanesque church with exceptional historiated capitals and the shrine of Saint Calmin in Limoges enamel. An audio guide is available from the tourist office, and it's really useful.
A former Benedictine abbey in Mozac (near Riom), founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 12th. One of the high points of Auvergne Romanesque art: exceptional historiated capitals (the Resurrection capital, with the Holy Women at the tomb, and the one with four angels holding back the winds at the four corners of the Earth), and the shrine of Saint Calmin in Limoges enamel from the late 12th century. The monastery was suppressed in 1790, the abbey church becoming the parish church of Mozac, restored in the 19th century. The nave can be visited freely and for free; access to the treasury is by a paid guided tour. Open all year.
Why we love it
- Romanesque capitals among the most studied in Europe
- The shrine of Saint Calmin in Limoges enamel
- A site known to medievalists, overlooked by the crowds
Top tip
A guided tour is compulsory to see the treasury (Saint Calmin); book at the Riom tourist office. Combine it with the centre of Riom (Sainte-Chapelle, Tour de l'Horloge) for a half-day.
Before you go
- Book the guided tour of the treasury at the Riom tourist office; the audio guide is worth it.
- Check the opening times on the Riom tourist office website before you set out, as they vary with the season.
Practical info
- Address
- 24B Rue de l'Abbaye, 63200 Mozac, France
63200 Mozac - Monday9h–18h
- Tuesday9h–18h
- Wednesday9h–18h
- Thursday9h–18h
- Friday9h–18h
- Saturday9h–18h
- Today9h–18h
Opening hours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 319 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
No reader reviews yet: yours gets things started.
It's for you if
- You love Romanesque art: these capitals are studied everywhere
- You're after a free visit 10 minutes from Riom
- You like enamel treasures and reliquaries
Give it a miss if
- You want to see the treasury without booking: it can only be visited on a guided tour
- You expect a lively abbey: here it's stone and silence
Your logbook
Around Saint-Pierre and Saint-Caprais Abbey, Mozac
2 spots in and around Mozac, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
€€Augustine Bistronomie 1890
4.8Riom · 1.9 km away
€€L'Envolée
4.6Riom · 2.6 km away
€€Bistrot La Potée
4.4Châtel-Guyon · 3.9 km away
Where to stay nearby
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
Mountain bikingThe Veygoux loop (mountain bike)
Start: Manoir de Veygoux, Charbonnières-les-Varennes
- 10.1 km
- +174 m
- 2 h
On footPuy de Jumes, Puy de la Coquille and Puy des Gouttes
Start: Parking de la D576 en direction de Beauregard
- 14.6 km
- +487 m
- 4 h
Hikes around Saint-Pierre and Saint-Caprais Abbey, Mozac
Mountain bikingThe Veygoux loop (mountain bike)
Start: Manoir de Veygoux, Charbonnières-les-Varennes
- 10.1 km
- +174 m
- 2 h
On footPuy de Jumes, Puy de la Coquille and Puy des Gouttes
Start: Parking de la D576 en direction de Beauregard
- 14.6 km
- +487 m
- 4 h
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