Mozac is a small town in the Puy-de-Dome department (in central Auvergne region), near Riom and Volvic and to the north of Clermont-Ferrand.
Exploring Mozac
Above all, it is for the Abbey of Saint-Pierre that people visit Mozac, but take the time for a stroll around Mozac to see the town centre and in particular the Chateau de Portaberaud, a 17th century manor house and ornamental gardens close to the abbey.
Mozac abbey
Founded in the 7th century, the abbey at Mozac (correct name is the Abbey of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Caprais of Mozac) was for the first two centuries an important regional religious centre, before being superceded by Cluny in 1095, at which time an important church was constructed here.
Following an earthquake in the 15th century much of the 12th century roman style abbey that stood here was damaged and rebuilt. As a consequence of the renovations the abbey we see today is a mix of styles: the crypt and eastern entrance are pre-Roman, the north facade is in Roman style, and the cloister and transept are gothic style.
The monks remained here until the revolution, at which time the abbey church became the town church for Mozac.
The rebuilding is in the gothic style using the very distinctive dark stone that you will see widely used in church construction in the Auvergne (the stone is known as the 'pierre de volvic'). The inset arches and the contrast between the dark stone and the light lime used between the stones give it a very decorative appearance.
Inside, the church incorporates many architectural features, such as the capital stones, that were recuperated from the rubble, while others can be seen in the adjacent museum. It is these capital stones, featuring a wide range of ornate carvings and designs, that are the highlight of Mozac abbey, and the reason it is an unmissable destination for enthusiasts of roman art.
Apart from the capital stones it is the crypt, that predates the roman style church, and the gilded and decorated shrine to Saint-Calmin that are among the highlights in the abbey. A second shrine here contains the relics of Saint Austremoine.
Mozac Abbey as a whole is a classified historic monument, and further important parts of the earlier building can be seen in the museum on site.
Attractions nearby
Although this is not the most visited part of France, there are several towns and villages of interest in the region around Mozac such as Riom and Volvic and enthusiasts of religious architecture will certainly want to visit both the church and cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Puy-de-Dome guide and the Auvergne guide.
Arrange a visit to Mozac
Hotels in Mozac
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Map of Mozac and places nearby
Visit near Mozac with France This Way reviews
Riom
The quiet regional town of Riom has several monuments of historical importance to see as you explore
Riom guide
Volvic
One of the most famous bottled waters in the world is from Volvic, which is also a pleasant town in the 'Volcano' region of the Auvergne
Volvic guide
Clermont-Ferrand
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, in sombre black lava stone, dominates the historic centre of Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand guide
Clermont-Ferrand basilica
The basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand is one of the most important romanesque churches in the Auvergne
Clermont-Ferrand basilica guide
Puy de Dome
Puy-de-Dome is the most famous, and most accessible of the Auvergne volcanoes and has lovely views across the rest of the chain of volcanoes
Puy de Dome guide
Saint-Saturnin
With ancient narrow streets, an imposing church and its position on the side of a steep valley Saint-Saturnin is among our favourite Auvergne villages
Saint-Saturnin guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Puy-de-Dome
Tourist classifications for Mozac
Mozac is classified as a listed town of Art and History
Address: Mozac, Riom-Ouest, Riom, Auvergne, 63200, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.873, longitude 3.0836
Plan your visit to Mozac, Puy-de-Dome
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Marsat: town of art and history
- Riom: town of art and history (3 km)
- Parc du château de Blanzat: remarkable garden (5 km)
- Abbatial church de Saint Pierre de Mozac (Mozac): religious monument (5 km)
- Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Clermont-ferrand): religious monument (9 km)
- Clermont-Ferrand église Notre-Dame-du-Port (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (10 km)
- Clermont-Ferrand: secteur sauvegarde (11 km)
- Eglise de Saint Léger (Royat): religious monument (12 km)
- Collégiale Saint-Victor et Sainte-Couronne d'Ennezat (Ennezat): religious monument (12 km)
- Puy de Dome: grand site of france (14 km)
- Jardins du château d'Opme: remarkable garden (16 km)
- Jardins du château de la Batisse: remarkable garden (20 km)
The French version of this page is at Mozac (Francais)