Collegiale De Saint Junien 1Collegiale De Saint Junien 1
©Collegiale De Saint Junien 1|OT Porte Océane du Limousin
City of Saint-JunienOn Richard the Lionheart route

City of Saint-Junien on the Richard the Lionheart Route

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Saint-Junien, an exceptional stopover on the Richard the Lionheart Route ! In this French cradle of luxury leather, just 20 minutes from Limoges, discover the Cité du cuir, the must-see museum that traces the history of this emblematic craft. In the heart of the historic centre, don’t miss the spectacular 12th-century Romanesque collegiate church. Medieval heritage, excellent craftsmanship and unspoilt nature await you in this authentic city of a thousand treasures on the Richard the Lionhearted Route.

A SPECTACULAR COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT THE HEART OF MEDIEVAL HISTORY

Discover one of the largest Romanesque churches in the Limousin with its unique 12th-century lantern of the dead. This architectural marvel houses the tomb of Saint Junien and takes you back to the days of knights and pilgrims. Every 7 years, experience the magic of the Ostensions with over 1,000 people in period costumes – a grandiose spectacle that brings the Middle Ages back to life!

THE FRENCH CAPITAL OF LUXURY LEATHER

Since the Middle Ages, Saint-Junien has been perpetuating the ancestral art of leather and glove making. There were around forty factories in the 1920s, but their numbers have dwindled considerably, and today they can be counted on the fingers of one hand (Hermès, Agnelle, Daguet…), which is why it is so important to preserve the town’s ancestral know-how with the Cité du Cuir.

This tourist attraction, the only one of its kind in France, aims to showcase the leather and glove-making trades through an immersive tour. Guided tours, temporary exhibitions and introductory workshops for children and adults are organised throughout the year.

Take home unique pieces from the authentic workshop-boutiques – an exceptional shopping experience for lovers of luxury and French know-how.

AN UNMISSABLE STOPOVER JUST 20 MINUTES FROM LIMOGES

Saint-Junien is the gateway town to the Parc Naturel Périgord-Limousin and is perfectly situated on the Richard the Lionheart route. Savour the Arena, an almond cake that melts in your mouth, and enjoy a privileged setting between medieval heritage and unspoilt nature. The town offers cultural events all year round in its exceptional venues – the perfect stop-off point for historical explorers!

City of Saint-Junien : information and contacts

Good to know

Corot's secret chalet

The painter Camille Corot was a regular summer visitor to his studio chalet on the banks of the Glane between 1852 and 1861. Rediscovered in 2004 during archaeological excavations, the chalet was rebuilt in 2009 based on an old postcard.

1000 years of history under your feet

The present-day collegiate church is built on a 7th-century oratory built by Bishop Rorice II on the tomb of the hermit Junien. This tomb, on a busy road, became a place of pilgrimage that encouraged trade and attracted people.

The Consuls' House

At the bottom of rue Lucien Dumas, this beautiful 16th-century Renaissance-style house was built on 12th-century foundations. It still bears witness to Renaissance architecture today.

Continue your stay in Limousin