Vigeois travel guide

Visit Vigeois (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France)

The village of Vigeois is in the west of the Corrèze department, a short distance south of Uzerche.

Explore Vigeois

France This Way review: although Vigeois is perhaps not a remarkable destination, it has two impressive attractions: the abbatiale church Saint-Pierre and lovely views along the Vézère river so a visit is recommended if you explore this part of the Limousin

Abbatiale Saint-Pierre of Vigeois

The abbatiale church of Saint-Pierre of Vigeois is in the centre of the town. The abbey was founded in the 6th century, although little remained at the end of the 9th century, after the Vikings had devastated the area.

The abbey was then refounded in Vigeois in the 11th century, as a benedictine abbey and the church we see today in part dates from this time and the following century, despite substantial damage during the Hundred Years War, and the original nave being destroyed by fire during the Wars of Religion.

The oldest parts of the church that we see today, and that have retained the original roman style, are the choir area with its chapels and the transept. These are most distinctive from the outside, with the chevet having a very traditional roman style appearance.

Both inside and outside the church you can see some very impressive carving and capital stones, many with statues representing biblical figures such as Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the doorway of the north transept.

There are also paintings in the church, but these are 19th century and less interesting.

Riverside in Vigeois

The Vézere river is a few hundred metres west of Vigeois town centre.

There is a charming medieval bridge over the river, with a series of four arches and crossed by a cobblestone track, with a group of ancient houses at each end of the bridge.

As well as pretty views along the Vézère there is a parking area and a picnic area.

Attractions nearby

On the main road to the west of the port area there is a viewpoint across the Gorges de la Vézère where you should pause if you are passing and various leisure opportunities are available at Pontcharal Lake to the south-east of Vigeois.

Our favourite destinations close to Vigeois are the remarkable historical centre of the town of Uzerche, to the north of here, and the pretty village of Segur-le-Chateau to the north-west, as well as the village of Saint-Robert to the west: these two villages are both classed among the "most beautiful villages of France".

You can find more travel ideas in the Correze guide and the Limousin guide.