Our take
A high point of Auvergne Romanesque art, in the upper part of the old village. The capitals read like a stone book (the Passion of Christ, the Transfiguration, the multiplication of the loaves): you can spend an hour just deciphering them.
One of the five major churches of Auvergne Romanesque art. 103 capitals, including the historiated set in the choir, and a Romanesque Virgin.
The church of Saint-Nectaire, or Notre-Dame du Mont Cornadore, is one of the finest Romanesque churches in Auvergne. Built in the 12th century at the initiative of the monks of La Chaise-Dieu, it overlooks the old village from Mont Cornadore. Its treasury is exceptional: the reliquary bust of Saint Baudime in repoussé copper, the Virgin in Majesty Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Cornadore, an arm reliquary of Saint Nectaire. But it is above all its 103 capitals that make its reputation, including a remarkable historiated set in the choir (the Passion of Christ, the Transfiguration, the life of Saint Nectaire). Listed as a Monument historique (a protected French heritage site) as early as 1840, among the very first protected monuments in France.
Why we love it
- One of the finest Romanesque churches in Auvergne, on Mont Cornadore
- The 103 capitals, including the historiated set in the choir
- The treasury: bust of Saint Baudime, Virgin in Majesty, arm reliquary
Top tip
Avoid the hours of religious services. Combine it with the Mystères de Farges, about 2 km away: a maturing cellar for farmhouse AOP (protected designation of origin) saint-nectaire cheese, set in former troglodyte dwellings, for a church-and-cheese day.
Before you go
- Dogs not allowed in the church.
- Free entry, every day from 9:00 to 19:00 from April to October in 2026. Parking around the church is paid
- Take your time over the capitals in the choir, they are what the place is famous for
- Guided tours are organised in summer
Practical info
- Address
- 1 Rue du Cornadore, 63710 Saint-Nectaire, France
63710 Saint-Nectaire - Monday9h–19h
- Tuesday9h–19h
- Wednesday9h–19h
- Thursday9h–19h
- Friday9h–19h
- Saturday9h–19h
- Today9h–19h
Opening hours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 1,988 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
No reader reviews yet: yours gets things started.
It's for you if
- You like deciphering Romanesque capitals, there are 103 of them
- You combine heritage and cheese: cellars 2 km away
- You are looking for a free, self-guided visit in the Sancy
Give it a miss if
- You plan to visit during religious services
- You are just passing through in a hurry: the capitals need time
Your logbook
Around Saint-Nectaire Church
5 spots in and around Saint-Nectaire, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
Les Epicurieuz
4.8Saint-Nectaire · a 5-minute walk away
€La Maison du fromage
3.9Saint-Nectaire · a 5-minute walk away
Ferme de l'Or Blanc
4.8Saint-Nectaire · 2.5 km away
Where to stay nearby
La Maison de la Monne
4.4Olloix · 5.7 km away
€€L'Auberge du Bougnat
4.4Saint-Victor-la-Rivière · 5.9 km away
Restaurant Logis le Beau Site
4.7Chambon-sur-Lac · 6.0 km away
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On foot
On footHikes around Saint-Nectaire Church
On footOn foot
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