Maurs

Visit Maurs, Auvergne

The Auvergne town of Maurs (full name Maurs-la-Jolie) is situated to the south-west of the Cantal department, and north-east of Figeac (in the Lot department). The town is listed as a one of four 'small towns of character' in the department.

Exploring Maurs

It is straightforward to explore Maurs - the town centre has preserved the same layout as was established in the Middle Ages, with streets running in circles around the central church, as far as the 'ring-road' around Maurs, which is where the town defences and moat once stood - and which also preserves the original circular shape.

In the old town you can see some medieval half-timbered houses, and also a part of the original town ramparts, and the abbey church.

The weekly market is held in Maurs on a Thursday morning.

Abbatiale Church of Saint-Cesaire

It is the Abbatiale Church of Saint-Cesaire (also known as the Church of Saint Sulpice*) that is much the most important monument in Maurs.

The gothic style church was built in the 14th century church to replace an 11th century church that was destroyed during the Hundred Years War (and also restored in the 17th century after suffering damage during the Wars of Religion).

Admire the stone carving and statues around and above the doorway, then enter the church to see the stalls and misericordes, some wooden statues and 19th century stained glass windows.

The highlight inside the church is a very rare gold-plated and painted bust of Saint Cesaire. A remarkable piece of religious art, in roman style and dating from the 12th century, the bust combines a certain primitive quality with other elements that are more sophisticated.

* The original village Church of Saint-Sulpice in Maurs was detroyed after the revolution, and the abbey church of Saint-Cesaire subsequently took over the role - hence the two names for the church.

See Auvergne and Cantal (the region and department for Maurs) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Maurs, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Capdenac 18km; Vieillevie 19km; Conques 20km; Lacapelle-Marival 22km; Faycelles 23km; Saint-Cere 29km; Entraygues 30km; Aurillac 31km; Autoire 34km; Loubressac 36km; Belcastel 38km;

Maurs tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Assier Chateau - national monument (26km) : Chateau Montal - national monument (32km) : Castelnau-Bretenoux Chateau - national monument (36km) : Jardin d'Eden du château du Colombier - remarkable garden (39km) : Gouffre de Padirac - site of natural beauty (39km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Carennac) - religious monument (43km) : Causses du Quercy - regional natural parc (43km) :

See more places and a map at places near Maurs