Chapel of St-Aurelien Tours and Activities

Chapel of St-Aurelien featuring heritage architecture
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
This beautiful tiny church, a cherished building preserved by the Butchers’ Guild, is a testament to Limousin’s community and religious spirit.

The Chapel of St.-Aurélien, hidden in the narrow streets of Limoges’ Quartier de la Boucherie (Butchers’ District), is a magnificent reward for any traveler who goes looking for it.

Built in 1475 to hold the relics of St. Aurélien, a 15th-century saint who served as a bishop in Limoges, it is now a charming example of Limousin’s religious architecture. Feel the neighborhood’s devotion as you look upon the stones, carefully preserved through centuries as expressions of the local butchers’ guild’s faith in their patron saint.

Wander down the cobbled streets and be surprised by the church, as its outdoor decoration appears unexpectedly between the half-timbered medieval buildings lining the streets. Gaze at the top of the church to see its elaborate dome constructed out of slats of chestnut wood. Two larger-than-life statues outside depict St. John and St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Examine the intricate carvings of the monolithic cross. Before the French Revolution, it stood outside the region’s famous Carmine monastery. Before slipping in the door, try to identify the portrait of St. Aurélien above the portal, now much faded over time.

Linger in this small church to appreciate its finer details. Walk slowly down the nave as you look at the stained glass and appreciate the ornate, Baroque detailing, added during the 17th-century expansion of the church.

Observe the green-and-white flag of the Butchers’ Guild, manifestation of the pride that the brotherhood holds in the church.

Pause before the elaborate altarpiece. Its central panel is a local copy of a Raphaël painting depicting the Transfiguration. Rumor suggests that St Aurélien’s relics, so important to this church and its people, lie concealed behind it.

Find the Chapel of St-Aurélien nestled in Old Town Limoges, a 20-minute walk from the train station or a 15-minute walk from St.-Étienne Cathedral. The closest parking is available in a structure near Les Halles. The chapel is open daily. Organize a guided tour through the Limoges Tourism Office. Visit the chapel for free on sunny days, but feed in a small coin to turn on the lights when skies are overcast.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chapel of St-Aurelien

Campanile Limoges Centre - Gare
Campanile Limoges Centre - Gare
3 out of 5
44 Cours Gay Lussac, Limoges, FR
Campanile Limoges Centre - Gare
Brit Hotel Limoges Centre Gare - Hotel & Spa
Brit Hotel Limoges Centre Gare - Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
17 Avenue Du General De Gaulle, Limoges, Haute-Vienne
Brit Hotel Limoges Centre Gare - Hotel & Spa
Best Western Plus Hôtel Richelieu
Best Western Plus Hôtel Richelieu
4 out of 5
40 Avenue Baudin, Limoges, Haute-Vienne
Best Western Plus Hôtel Richelieu
ibis budget Limoges
ibis budget Limoges
2 out of 5
14 Rue du Chinchauvaud, Limoges, Haute-Vienne
ibis budget Limoges
Appart'City Classic Limoges
Appart'City Classic Limoges
3 out of 5
3 Rue Chaudron, Limoges, Haute-Vienne
Appart'City Classic Limoges
La Loge Gogaille - Préfecture - Accès autonome
La Loge Gogaille - Préfecture - Accès autonome
4 out of 5
4 rue de la Préfécture, Limoges, Haute-Vienne
La Loge Gogaille - Préfecture - Accès autonome
Hôtel de Paris
Hôtel de Paris
5, cours Vergniaud, Limoges
Hôtel de Paris
The Originals City, Hôtel Saint Martial, Limoges
The Originals City, Hôtel Saint Martial, Limoges
3 out of 5
21 rue Armand Barbes, Limoges, Haute-Vienne
The Originals City, Hôtel Saint Martial, Limoges
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.