Saint-Michel-des-Lions Church

The Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions, in Limoges

The Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions reveals its high bell tower of Limousin style, like the cathedral, and shelters the relics of Saint Martial. The Limoges audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this Gothic sanctuary of the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, whose name evokes two stone lions.

The sanctuary of the lions and the relics

On the left, you glimpse the Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions, that reveals its high bell tower of the typical style of the Limousin, like the cathedral of Saint-Étienne. Built between the fourteenth and the sixteenth century, in the Gothic style, it is one of the finest churches of Limoges. Its curious name of Saint-Michel-des-Lions comes from two stone lions, very ancient vestiges of the Gallo-Roman era, that mount the guard at the entrance of the building and have given it its nickname. Its bell tower, topped with a spire and a great gilded copper ball, dominates the town and constitutes, with that of the cathedral, one of the characteristic silhouettes of the Limoges sky. The church is also a place of great devotion, because it shelters today the precious relics of Saint Martial, the first bishop and evangeliser of Limoges, gathered after the destruction of the abbey of Saint-Martial. These relics are at the heart of the famous Limousin ostensions, these great religious festivals that take place every seven years and that make the pride of the region. Inside, in an atmosphere conducive to contemplation, the church keeps a rich furniture and fine works of art. A Gothic sanctuary and a guardian of the relics, the Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, one of the finest churches of Limoges, built from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century in the Gothic style, with a high Limousin bell tower topped with a gilded copper ball; its name comes from two stone lions of the Gallo-Roman era at its entrance, and it shelters the precious relics of Saint Martial, at the heart of the famous Limousin ostensions. The Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions is a Gothic sanctuary of Limoges. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions lies in the heart of Limoges, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Where does the name of the Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions come from in Limoges?

From two stone lions, very ancient vestiges of the Gallo-Roman era, that mount the guard at the entrance of the building; this Gothic church of the fourteenth-sixteenth centuries, with a high Limousin bell tower topped with a gilded copper ball, also shelters the precious relics of Saint Martial, at the heart of the famous Limousin ostensions that take place every seven years.

Where is the Church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions in Limoges?

In the heart of Limoges, in France.