The remarkable religious heritage of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption d'Entrevaux

Cathédrale

Description

This 17th-century cathedral houses a 17th-century painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, an 18th-century organ, and a collection of statues, paintings, and reliquary busts.

Cathédrale Sainte-Marie

Cathédrale

Description

This cathedral dates from the 11th and 14th centuries. Its tympanum depicts the Adoration of the Magi, the Virgin and Child, and Saint Bertrand. Inside, visitors can admire a set of 66 carved wooden choir stalls and a 16th century corner organ.

Abbatiale Sainte-Foy

Abbaye

Description

Conques Abbey is one of the finest examples of French Romanesque art. From May to September, its tympanum depicting the Last Judgement is illuminated. The abbey's stained-glass windows, created by Soulages, ensure a truly memorable visit.

Abbatiale Saint-Pierre

Abbaye

Description

Immerse yourself in the history of this 9th-century abbey church, a masterpiece affiliated with the Order of Cluny.

Admire the unique 12th-century tympanum, which depicts the Second Coming of Christ. The Cluniac architecture also bears witness to the monastery’s former grandeur.

Abbaye de Gellone

Abbaye

Description

The abbey church dates from the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries and features a cloister and treasury. Don't miss the stone sculpture museum, which can be accessed via the cloister.

Abbaye de Lavaudieu

Abbaye

Description

Cloister, refectory (12th-century mural), St Andrew’s Church (Pietà, murals).

Abbaye de Sénanque

Abbaye

Description

Founded in the 12th century, the striking Sénanque Abbey is set against the backdrop of lavender fields.

Explore the church, cloister and dormitory of this Cistercian monastery, which is still home to monks, and soak up its serene atmosphere.

Abbaye impériale

Abbaye

Description

The abbey, which inspired one of the founders of the Cluniac Order, is notable for its 16^(th)-century Flemish altarpiece and its carved tombs. Together, they offer visitors a fascinating insight into monastic history and Jura Romanesque art.

Take a stroll through the outdoor courtyards or join a guided tour to experience the unique atmosphere of the venue.

Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec

Abbaye

Description

A true masterpiece of Normandy's religious heritage, the Benedictine Abbey of Le Bec has been a beacon of culture since the 11th century. Even today, it is home to Benedictine monks who continue the monastic tradition.

Discover the elegant Moorish-style buildings, admire the imposing Saint-Nicolas tower, and visit the monks’ shop to purchase exquisite earthenware crafted on site. Guided tours are available from April to September: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 am, 3 pm and 4 pm; Sundays and public holidays at 12 noon, 3 pm and 4 pm. No tours on Tuesdays.

Guided tours are available from October to March: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm; Saturday at 10:30 am, 3 pm and 4 pm; Sunday and public holidays at 12 noon, 3 pm and 4 pm. There are no tours on Tuesdays.

Opening hours: Weekdays: 10:00–11:30 and 15:00–17:30 Sundays and public holidays: 12:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:30

Abbaye royale de Fontevraud

Abbaye

Description

Immerse yourself in the history of this 1101-founded abbey, which houses the recumbent statues of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, and Richard the Lionheart.

After being converted into a prison during the French Revolution, the abbey now also houses the Museum of Modern Art.

Abbaye Sainte-Marie d'Orbieu

Abbaye

Description

The oldest part of the Benedictine abbey dates back to the time of Charlemagne. It is now open to the public and regularly hosts exhibitions and events.

Abbaye Saint-Hilaire

Abbaye

Description

This former 13th-century abbey was later used as a Carmelite convent. Its surroundings, chapel, cloister and chapter house make it a peaceful place to visit.

Eglise abbatiale

Eglise

Description

Take a step back in time in this 12th- to 13th-century church. Its rich interior features frescoes, wood panelling, Aubusson tapestries and a 17th-century organ.

Join a guided tour with the Friends of the Antonines to discover Saint Anthony's fabulous treasure, which includes liturgical vestments, surgical instruments and an impressive ivory statue of Christ.

Eglise abbatiale

Abbaye

Description

Towering 30 metres high over the centre of the village, the fortified abbey church of Saint-Amand-de-Coly is an imposing sight. Dating from the 12th century, it combines Romanesque architecture with medieval defensive features.

This abbey church's story through the ages is told through its domed ceiling, colourful stained-glass windows and secret staircases.

Eglise abbatiale

Eglise

Description

In the heart of the village stands the abbey church, a reminder that Camon was once part of Lagrasse Abbey and has monastic origins.

Inside, the Baroque altarpiece, the choir stalls and the precious 17th-century triptych offer a glimpse into the village's past.

Eglise abbatiale Saint-Pierre et son Trésor

Abbaye

Description

In the heart of the village stands the abbey church of the former convent, which was founded by Ermengarde, mother of William the Pious, in the ninth century.

Its treasure trove, which is open by appointment only, contains liturgical vestments and precious silverware.

Basilique paléochrétienne et chapelle Saint-Julien

Patrimoine mondial UNESCO

Description

The remains of a basilica of unknown date have been found, along with coins dating from the 4th century. Twenty-eight sarcophagi carved from Pyrenean marble were found in its foundations. The Chapel of Saint Julian is nearby.

Basilique Sainte-Madeleine

Patrimoine mondial UNESCO

Description

A jewel of Romanesque art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica captivates visitors with its carved capitals, Gothic choir and 62-metre-long nave, not to mention the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Each time you visit, allow yourself to be captivated by the interplay of light that brings out every carved detail.

Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Rocamadour

Patrimoine mondial UNESCO

Description

Climb the 216 steps of the Grand Staircase to reach the heart of the pilgrimage site: the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur and its seven chapels. These include the Chapel of Our Lady, which houses the famous 12th-century Black Madonna.

This is a place steeped in history and emotion that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Collégiale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Collégiale

Description

En poussant la porte de cette collégiale Renaissance, vous entrez dans l’univers d’Imbert de Bastarnay. Admirez ses gisants d’albâtre, les vitraux raffinés et les œuvres d’arts issues de la collection Fesch.

Ne manquez pas la surprenante calotte du pape Jean-Paul II, clin d’œil à l’histoire polonaise du village.

Collégiale de Saint-Martin

Collégiale

Description

The collegiate church, one of the finest examples of Angevin Gothic architecture, was built in the 12th and 13th centuries on the site where Saint Martin is said to have died in 397. It was fortified in the 15th century.

Collégiale Saint-Pierre

Collégiale

Description

Step inside this collegiate church, which was rebuilt in the 15th century on the site of a medieval castle. The wooden nave, stained-glass windows and Aubusson tapestries bear witness to the village's history, offering visitors a moment of tranqui

Collégiale Saint-Pierre et son cloître

Collégiale

Description

The collegiate complex at La Romieu was built in the 14th century and comprises several parts, including a church, a cloister, two towers and a Cardinal’s Palace.

Collégiale Saint-Hilaire

Collégiale

Description

Dating back to the 12th century, it is the last Romanesque church to be built in the Brionnais region.

Collégiale Saint-Christophe

Collégiale

Description

In the heart of the bastide, the 14th-century Collegiate Church of Saint-Christophe comes into view. This Gothic gem features rich 16th- and 18th-century furnishings.

Admire the altarpieces and carved choir stalls, then take in the historic rose garden.

Eglise collégiale Saint-Hippolyte et son Trésor

Collégiale

Description

Église de style néo-roman construite au XIXème siècle en remplacement de la précédente devenue trop petite. Cette église renferme un trésor d'art liturgique, dont une vierge en Majesté du XIIIème siècle (visible certains jours en saison).

Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption

Eglise

Description

Showcasing all the charm of the Labourd style with its wooden galleries and single nave, the church features an ornate Basque pediment.

Be sure to take a look at the chancel, which features a lavish gilded wooden altarpiece displaying Spanish influences.

Eglise Saint-Ronan

Eglise

Description

This 15th-century church houses a magnificent stained-glass window, a collection of statues and a treasure trove. Adjoining the church is the Pénity Chapel, which contains a recumbent statue of Saint Ronan carved from Kersanton stone.

Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont

Eglise

Description

Avec sa façade en grès rose et son style gothique sobre, cette église du XIIIe siècle est un joyau du patrimoine basque, parfait pour une halte paisible sur le chemin de Compostelle.

Eglise Sainte-Radegonde

Eglise

Description

This is an 11th-century Romanesque church that was remodelled in the 15th century.

Visite guidée de l'ancienne chartreuse

Chartreuse

Description

Take a guided tour of the monastery's historic living quarters, including the kitchen, cloister, churches and reconstructed hermitage, and discover this unique site for yourself.

Eglise Saint-Pierre et son cloître

Eglise

Description

Built at the end of the 11th century, the Church of Saint-Pierre boasts a Romanesque tympanum and a Gothic 'Deposition of Christ'. The carved capitals and cloister offer visitors the chance to step back in time to the Middle Ages.

Eglise Saint-Médard

Eglise

Description

This 16th-century fortified church presents its own history and that of the fortified churches of Thiérache through a beautifully curated exhibition.

Eglise Saint-Martin

Eglise

Description

The church is topped by a five-storey bell tower that can be visited during the tourist season or by appointment. The church bell is one of the most intricately carved in France.

The gravestones from the old cemetery can still be seen at the foot of the church.

Eglise monolithe Saint-Jean

Eglise

Description

Carved into the cliff in the 12th century, this immense underground church is unique in Europe. Every visitor is captivated by its 20-metre-long nave, Romanesque stone reliquary and mysterious baptismal font.

However, the most extraordinary feature is undoubtedly this necropolis, which was discovered in 1958 and contains more than 80 stone sarcophagi.

Château de Candes - Art&Spa****

Résidence de tourisme

Description

Immerse yourself in a setting that combines history and contemporary elegance, with the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne providing the backdrop.

This four-star holiday residence is located on the La Loire à Vélo cycle route and comprises 21 accommodation units and 34 rooms. It also features a five-hectare wooded park with street art, two spas and massage parlours, and a restaurant.

Opening periods

• From 04/01/2026 to 11/11/2026

Hôtel Arraya

Hôtel - restaurant

Description

This charming four-star guesthouse offers rooms imbued with Basque character. No matter which room you choose — Prestige, Privilège or Tradition — you can enjoy the comfort on offer and the warm hospitality of the third-generation family owners.

Opening periods

• From 03/15/2026 to 12/31/2026

La Maison d'à côté

Chambre d'hôte

Description

In the heart of the village of Lavaudieu, this guest house – awarded 3 stars by Gîtes de France – offers 4 beautiful rooms with views of the nearby river.

Opening periods

• From 04/13/2026 to 10/15/2026

La maison d'Aux

Chambre d'hôte

Description

This heritage-loving couple’s home has two beautiful bedrooms, just a stone’s throw from the collegiate church. Please note the minimum stay is two nights. You'll need at least that long to experience the romantic atmosphere of this special place.

Opening periods

• From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026

Le Clos du Bec

Meublés et Gîtes

Description

Just 2 km from the village of Bec-Hellouin, this 3-star listed former mill welcomes you to a peaceful and authentic setting that combines Norman charm, modern comfort, and unspoilt nature. Its five rooms and spa are sure to delight the whole family.

Opening periods

• From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026

Le Domaine de Mestré

Hôtel - restaurant

Description

The Domaine de Mestré was once a farm belonging to Fontevraud Abbey and later a stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

It is now home to a three-star hotel whose rooms are spread across several buildings, some of which date back to the 12th century.

Opening periods

• From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026

Le Relais de Vellinus

Hôtel

Description

This family-run, two-star hotel is located in the heart of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. It's the perfect choice for anyone looking to stay in the Dordogne Valley.

Opening periods

• From 04/01/2026 to 10/31/2026

Le Studio Blanc

Meublés et Gîtes

Description

A tastefully decorated white studio, with a bilingual (French and English) hostess to welcome you! You can also browse her designs in her workshop-boutique, as she is a fashion designer.

Opening periods

• From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026