Discover Auzances: hotels and cultural heritage

Auzances brings together church and local history, Gallo-Roman remains, a weekly market and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Auzances, these different highlights can help you plan your stay: would you like to focus mainly on historic buildings, the Tuesday market, or nature and walks?

Churches, chapels and old houses

The Église Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur is the oldest building in Auzances; most of the building dates from the 12th century. Its architecture also reflects its construction history: the oldest part is Romanesque, while the rest is Gothic. Vividly coloured frescoes inspired by Byzantine art were painted by the Russian artist Nicolas Greschny. The church thus offers several distinct points of interest in art and architectural history to explore while discovering the town.

The Chapelle Sainte-Anne brings together several periods. It preserves a choir apse dating from the 11th to 12th centuries and a round-arched entrance portal. Inside, there is also a 17th-century altarpiece and a gilded wooden statue of Saint Anne. The chapel is open to visitors free of charge year-round. Check local access arrangements before your visit.

The Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite was built in the 17th century. It houses a collection of Gallo-Roman objects discovered in Auzances and the surrounding area, as well as an archaeological exhibition featuring remains discovered in 1971. As the display may change, it’s best to check what is currently on show in advance if you’re planning to visit. Old houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries offer another glimpse into the town’s history. They stand on Place du Terrier, in Rue des Jardins and Petite Rue Morel, and on Place du 11 Novembre.

Market, discovery trail and hiking path

The Marché d’Auzances takes place every Tuesday morning in the town centre. The day of the week is a helpful point of reference if you’d like to include the market in your travel plans. The town centre also has a fun Tèrra-Aventura discovery trail for children and adults. Check its current status before travelling.

The Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite lies on the GR 41 long-distance hiking trail, “Vallée du Cher.” If you’re planning to hike the trail, check current route conditions before setting out, as these can change. The chapel’s connection to the long-distance trail offers a different focus for a visit from the architectural details of the buildings themselves.

Arts and crafts and nature around Coux

The Atelier Galerie La Lavandière in Auzances offers workshops, as well as the creation, exhibition and sale of ceramics, paintings, art objects and wooden musical instruments. Its offerings range from craftwork to different art forms. If these subjects interest you, you can make the studio a cultural highlight of your trip.

At the approximately 50-hectare Parc Animalier de Coux, a municipal leisure park, visitors can spot fallow deer, peacocks, golden pheasants, swans and emus while walking. Parc de Coux is open to the public year-round and free of charge; check operational details before you travel. The Gallo-Roman villa of Coux is also open year-round and free of charge. It includes Roman baths, whose restoration was completed in 1986. Information about the villa, baths and park offers different ways to connect archaeological history with an outdoor visit.

The fortifications of old Auzances offer views over the Noisette Valley. Cyclists also have a useful point of reference in town: as part of the Accueil Vélo certification, the Bureau d’accueil touristique d’Auzances has seven bicycle parking spaces. As facilities may change, it’s a good idea to check before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Lourdoueix-Saint-Pierre, Saint-Pardoux-Morterolles, Crocq, Le Grand-Bourg, Lépinas, Flayat, Saint-Avit-De-Tardes, Fresselines.

For the broader travel overview: Creuse.