The town of Souvigny is located in the Allier department of the Auvergne, west of Moulins and north of Vichy.
Explore Souvigny
A quiet town set among the wooded hills of the Auvergne, Souvigny is a little off the usual tourist trail but has a particular attraction that will interest visitors to the region...
Priory Church of Saint-Peter and Saint-Paul
The Priory Church of Saint-Peter and Saint-Paul is a roman style church dating from the 11th and 15th centuries and built due to the importance of the town as a pilgrimage centre, and because it was an important centre for the Dukes of Burgundy who at that stage ruled much of the region.
The church is very interesting with several features that will attract your attention, including the main facade with its two towers, the decorative roof ornamentation, and the cloisters. From the front, if you look at the facade you can see that the top half with the towers is in the Roman style, and the newer facade built in front of the original church is in the gothic style.
Inside, the church also has some fine stone carvings, particularly the capitals (the stones at the top of the columns) and the tombs, and an 18th century organ, which is itself a listed historic monument as well as some medieval frescoes in the sacristy and a 'mise au tombeau' carving.
It is also the church where some of the tombs of the most influential Dukes of Burgundy can be seen including Louis II and his wife Anne d'Auvergne (died 1410 and 1416 respectively).
The building to the right of the church is also charming, a neo-classical building in red brick that was part of the convent. The garden next to the church is attractive, with lots of French style box hedges.
Elsewhere in Souvigny
After visiting the church you can visit the museum next to the church, which contains some interesting artefacts from the town's past. Of particular interest in the museum is a tall stone column that depicts the signs of the zodiac, animals and monsters, and typical work activities called the 'calendrier de Souvigny' - be sure to allow time for a good look, the column is a remarkably detailed and fascinating item of medieval art.
The centre of Souvigny in front of the church and along Rue de la Republique is also pleasant to explore: small but with stone houses traditional of the region. The Church of Saint-Mark was built in the 12th century.
The town is now recognised as a 'Grand Site of the Auvergne' and has made investments and efforts to make the most of the important architectural heritage it contains: a place to discover before tourism takes over!
Attractions nearby
The surrounding region will also be of interest to church enthusiasts: there are several villages close to Souvigny with interesting examples of roman style churches, typically dating from the 11th to 13th centuries.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Allier guide and the Auvergne guide.
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Map of Souvigny and places nearby
Visit near Souvigny with France This Way reviews
Moulins
In the historic centre of Moulins it is the cathedral that is the most imposing monument
Moulins guide
Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule
The quiet town of Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule lacks major monuments but merits a stroll when you are in the region
Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule guide
Herisson
The ruined castle and the historic centre along the banks of the Aumance river are the principal attractions in Herisson
Herisson guide
Charroux
Charroux is a very quiet Auvergne village, unusual in the 'village centre' being a hard to find area of grass!
Charroux guide
Apremont-sur-Allier
The story of the renewal of Apremont-sur-Allier is fascinating, and leads us to the 'most beautiful village' and Castle Park that we see today
Apremont-sur-Allier guide
Lapalisse
The renaissance style Chateau de la Palice, its internal decorations and its gardens are the main highlight when you visit Lapalisse
Lapalisse guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Allier
Address: Souvigny, Moulins, Auvergne, 3210, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.535, longitude 3.1927
Plan your visit to Souvigny, Allier
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Moulins: town of art and history (11 km)
- Eglise de Saint Georges (Bourbon-l'Archambault): religious monument (12 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Ygrande): religious monument (16 km)
- Arboretum de Balaine: remarkable garden (18 km)
- Chareil-Cintrat Chateau: national monument (30 km)
- Montmarault: village d'etape (30 km)
- Parc d'Attractions et Animalier (PAL): zoo or wildlife park (34 km)
- Le PAL: theme park (37 km)
- Foret de Troncais: site of natural beauty (38 km)
- Charroux: most beautiful village (39 km)
- Apremont-sur-Allier: most beautiful village (41 km)
- Parc floral d'Apremont: remarkable garden (43 km)
The French version of this page is at Souvigny (Francais)