The town of Saint-Junien is in the west of the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, a short distance north-east of Rochechouart.
Since the 15th century the town has been an important centre for glove production, and even today the town is a major producer and exporter of gloves, although Saint-Junien is now better known as one of the official 'entry towns' to the Perigord-Limousin Regional Natural Park.
Explore Saint-Junien
There are a few places of interest in the town, the most important of which is the Collegiale Church of Saint-Junien. The nave and the transept are the oldest part of the church: these date from the 11th century and are built in the roman style. The remainder of the church dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, except for the main belltower which was rebuilt in the early 20th century.
Inside the church a particular feature is the ancient fresco that you can see in the nave, and you can also see the tomb of Saint-Junien and a medieval 'mise au tombeau' sculpture in the Saint-Martial Chapel.
With a simplicity that makes a dramatic contrast to the collegial church, there is a lovely little chapel on the banks of the river at the end of the Bridge of Notre-Dame, and another historic chapel can be seen in the grounds of the town cemetery.
The 12th century Bridge of Sainte-Elisabeth in Saint-Junien is also interesting, and is a narrow bridge (pedestrian access only) with three stone arches in the gothic style that once formed part of an important trade route between Limoges and Saintes.
Site Corot and the Glane river valley
The walk along the Glane riverside is one of the highlights of your visit to Saint-Junien - a pleasure that can be extended by following one of the trails that depart from here and cross the surrounding countryside.
In the mid 19th century the well known painter Jean-Baptiste Corot often came to a site here on the banks of the Glane river to do his painting. The location is now popular with visitors both because of its association with the artist and because it is in a scenic setting in part of a designated Zone of Natural Interest (for its wildlife).
Attractions nearby
There is little that remains of the original Abbey of Saint-Amand, said to be the birthplace of the town and at one stage an important monastic complex, but when you visit you can explore the riverside terraces in an attractive setting.
You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Vienne guide and the Limousin guide.
Arrange a visit to Saint-Junien
Hotels in Saint-Junien
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Saint-Junien and places nearby
Visit near Saint-Junien with France This Way reviews
Brigueuil
Here in Brigueuil it is the roman style church that is the most interesting highlight for visitors
Brigueuil guide
Rochechouart
On the edge of the Perigord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, Rochechouart has a castle and Museum of Modern Art to visit
Rochechouart guide
Oradour-sur-Glane
The village of Oradour-sur-Glane is a memorial town, now maintained in the condition it was left in by the retreating Nazis in 1944. Very moving experience.
Oradour-sur-Glane guide
Le Jardin de Liliane
Le Jardin de Liliane is one of our favourite gardens open to the public in the Limoges area
Le Jardin de Liliane guide
Montrol-Senard
Montrol-Senard is a traditional Limousin village which has been turned into an ecomuseum.
Montrol-Senard guide
Mortemart
Now listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France', Mortemart is a very pleasant village to pass an hour or two exploring
Mortemart guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Vienne
Address: Saint-Junien, Rochechouart, Limousin, 87200, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.887222, longitude 0.901111
Plan your visit to Saint-Junien, Haute-Vienne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien): religious monument
- Site Corot: site of natural beauty
- Jardin de Liliane: remarkable garden (14 km)
- Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps): religious monument (17 km)
- Réserve naturelle régionale Étang de la Monnerie: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Confolens: town of art and history (23 km)
- Bellac: village d'etape (28 km)
- Aquarium du Limousin: aquarium (29 km)
- Limoges: town of art and history (29 km)
- Perigord-Limousin: regional natural parc (32 km)
- Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac): religious monument (32 km)
- Saint-Hilaire-les-Places: ville fleurie 4* (33 km)
Market days in Saint-Junien, France
Regular market(s) are held in Saint-Junien each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Saint-Junien (Francais)