Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Religious heritage in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region preserves a diverse collection of religious sites, from the black volcanic stone of the Gothic Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral to the Romanesque masterworks of Le Puy-en-Velay, a historic starting point for the Camino de Santiago. Highlights include the 19th-century mosaics of Fourvière in Lyon, Le Corbusier’s modernist Saint-Pierre church in Firminy, and the flamboyant Gothic Royal Monastery of Brou. These sites showcase architectural evolution across centuries, featuring the distinctive Auvergne Romanesque style in Brioude and Issoire.

Religious Heritage — Map

A

Valence Cathedral

Valence Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Valence, Drôme, France. The cathedral is in the Romanesque architectural tradition.

Ludovic Courtès / GFDL

B

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon, France.

Chris 73 / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Lyon Cathedral

Lyon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located on Place Saint-Jean in central Lyon, France.

Zairon / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Saint Martin d'Ainay Basilica

The Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Ainay is a Romanesque church in Ainay in the Presqu'île district in the historic centre of Lyon, France.

Pucesurvitaminee / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

The Church of Saint-Nizier

The Church of Saint-Nizier is a church in the Presqu'île district of Lyon, France, in the 2nd arrondissement, between the Place des…

F

Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port

The Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port is a Romanesque basilica, formerly a collegiate church, in the Port quarter of Clermont-Ferrand, between…

G

Le Puy Cathedral

Le Puy Cathedral, sometimes referred to as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation, is a Roman Catholic church located in Le Puy-en…

Torsade de Pointes / CC0

H

Church of St. Francis

15th-century Catholic church in Annecy, historically known as the 'Church of the Italians.' It served as a burial site for the local nobility and features a traditional Savoyard architectural style.

Samsamsam / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

Basilica of the Visitation

20th-century basilica overlooking Annecy. It houses the tombs of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal, founders of the Order of the Visitation, and features a 72-meter-high bell tower.

lapin.lapin / CC-BY-SA-2.0

J

Saint-Pierre, Firminy

Saint-Pierre is a concrete building in the commune of Firminy, France.

Chabe01 / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Royal Monastery of Brou

The Royal Monastery of Brou is a religious complex located at Bourg-en-Bresse in the Ain département, central France.

L

Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral

Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Clermont-Ferrand, is a Gothic cathedral and French national…

M

Église Saint-Nectaire

12th-century Romanesque church located on Mont Cornadore. It is one of the five 'major' Romanesque churches of Auvergne, known for its well-preserved carved capitals and treasury.

N

Abbatiale Saint-Austremoine

Former 12th-century Benedictine abbey and the largest Romanesque church in the Auvergne. It is distinguished by its vibrant polychrome interior and detailed zodiac-themed carvings on the exterior apse.

Phg94 / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Notre-Dame de la Gorge

17th-century Baroque chapel located at the head of the Val Montjoie. It marks a historic pilgrimage stop on the Roman road and features a richly decorated interior typical of the Savoyard Baroque style.

P

Église Saint-Blaise et Notre-Dame-des-Malades

Architectural complex in Vichy combining the original 17th-century Saint-Blaise chapel with the 1930s Art Deco church of Notre-Dame-des-Malades, noted for its extensive mosaics and modern stained glass.

Q

Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe

Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe is a chapel in Aiguilhe, near Le Puy-en-Velay, France. The chapel is reached by 268 steps carved into the rock.

Marcin Białek / CC BY-SA 3.0

R

Grenoble Cathedral

Grenoble Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Grenoble, France.

S

Basilica of Saint-Julian, Brioude

The Basilica of Saint-Julian of Brioude is a basilica of the Auvergne Romanesque style located in the territory of the French commune of…

T

Saint-Flour Cathedral

Saint-Flour Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Saint-Flour in the Auvergne, France.

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