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 one of four 'small towns of character' in the Cantal department.
Explore 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.
This outer ring is now a broad boulevard where you will find most of the cafes and shops in Maurs town centre.
The village does not take long to visit: in the old town in Maurs you can see some medieval half-timbered houses, and also a part of the original town ramparts and the abbey church, but these are all quite minor highlights and will not detain you for very long.
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 original village church of Saint-Sulpice in Maurs was destroyed after the revolution, and the abbey church of Saint-Cesaire subsequently took over the role - hence the two names for the church.
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 remarkable stalls and wooden statues from the 16th century and the 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.
Attractions nearby
If you are exploring this area of France you will want to visit other small traditional villages such as Marcoles and Mourjou, to the east of Maurs.
A little further but well worth the travel are the exceptional village at Conques, and the town of Figeac with its impressive historic centre.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Cantal guide and the Auvergne guide.
Photos of Maurs
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Map of Maurs and places nearby
Visit near Maurs with France This Way reviews
Mourjou
Mourjou is historically a very important chestnut producing region in France, and it is still this and the surrounding chestnut forests that are of interest to visitors
Mourjou guide
Marcoles
The fortified village of Marcoles dates from the 10th century and is one of our favourite Cantal villages
Marcoles guide
Cardaillac
Cardaillac is a small, unspoiled village now listed among the 'most beautiful in France'
Cardaillac guide
Figeac
The market town of Figeac has many interesting historic buildings and streets to explore - one of our favourite towns in this region
Figeac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Cantal
Address: Maurs, Aurillac, Auvergne, 15600, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.7114, longitude 2.1989
Plan your visit to Maurs, Cantal
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Figeac Hopital St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (18 km)
- Figeac: recommended detour (18 km)
- Conques pont sur le Dourdou (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
- Conques: most beautiful village (20 km)
- Conques abbatiale Sainte-Foy (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
- Assier Chateau: national monument (26 km)
- Chateau Montal: national monument (32 km)
- Gréalou dolmen de Pech-Laglaire (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (33 km)
- Autoire: most beautiful village (34 km)
- Gouffre des Vitarelles: site of natural beauty (36 km)
- Loubressac: most beautiful village (36 km)
- Castelnau-Bretenoux Chateau: national monument (36 km)
Market days in Maurs, France
Regular market(s) are held in Maurs each Thursday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Maurs (Francais)