Saint-Maurice-des-Lions: Church, granite lion and walking trail

Saint-Maurice-des-Lions offers different points of interest for planning a trip: the architectural history of the Église Saint-Maurice, the granite lion on Place du Terrier, the Sentier des Tuileries and recurring events. Which focus matters to you may also influence your travel dates. The church and local history offer a historical focus; for a trip to a festival, however, the specific event date is what matters. So if you are looking for a hotel, it is worth first distinguishing between a fixed-date event and a stay with a focus of your choice.

Historical building phases of the Église Saint-Maurice

The Église Saint-Maurice dates from the late 12th century. During the Hundred Years’ War, it was fortified; this included raising the walls of the nave and the apse. The nave is the main lengthwise space of the church; the apse refers to the chancel area at the end of the building. These terms help put the changes described into their spatial context.

Since 24 April 1909, the Église Saint-Maurice has been classified in its entirety as a historic monument. The date refers to the classification of the entire building and differs from the dating to the late 12th century.

Place du Terrier and the granite lion

On Place du Terrier, also called Place du Lion, an elongated granite lion lies at the foot of a stone calvary. The calvary cross is made of the same granite. The calvary and the cross mark the site of the former cemetery. The combination of granite design and the former cemetery site makes the square a subject in its own right alongside the church’s architectural history. While the church’s different building phases are the focus there, here the lion, the cross and the former cemetery site shape the local history.

Sentier des Tuileries and fishing at Étang du Chambon

The Sentier des Tuileries starts on Rue de la Libération and is open year-round. Unlike a single festival date, the trail can therefore be considered as an activity for different seasons. It can also play a part in your plans if you are staying outside an event weekend.

A standard fishing permit is required for fishing at Étang du Chambon. Before fishing, check where it is currently available; purchasing options may change.

Events and travel dates

Saint Maurice en Fête takes place every year on the second Saturday in June as a festive event on the grounds of Moulin de La Cour. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the date for the year you want to visit.

The traditional Automnales took place on 26 October 2025 in Saint-Maurice-des-Lions and are held every year. At this edition, chestnuts, crêpes and apple juice were available. 26 October refers to the 2025 edition; for a later trip, check the date of the relevant event.

Plan a trip tied to a specific event around the date for the year you want to visit, then check hotel availability for your exact dates. If the trail or the architectural and local history is to shape your stay, you can choose your travel dates according to your own priorities.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Sulpice-De-Cognac, Saint Preuil, Parzac, Jauldes, Boutiers-Saint-Trojan, Pleuville, Soyaux, Saint-Estèphe

For the broader travel overview: Charente.