Carennac Church of Saint Peter and cloister visitor guide

Photo of Carennac Church of Saint Peter and cloister

Visit Carennac Church of Saint Peter and cloister, France

The Church of Saint Peter, and its associated cloister, are a historic monument in the heart of the village of Carennac, in the Lot department in the south-west of France. Access to the church is with a small square in the heart of the village, accessed through an arch in the stone walls.

Explore The Cloister and Church of Saint Peter in Carennac

France This Way review: the church and cloister in the centre of Carennac each have interesting elements, and we recommend you visit when you explore the village.

Entrance to the church in Carennac

History of the Church of Saint Peter in Carennac

A priory was first established in this location in 1047, around which the village of Carennac then developed. The church of Saint Peter was then built within the priory at the end of the 11th century.

The entrance to the church, with its elaborate carvings and in the roman style, are the most impressive example of this early architecture in the church. The porch area, with its statues of Christ surrounded by the apostles, was added to the front of the church in 1150.

The four carvings around Christ - the angel, the eagle, the lion and the bull - represent the symbols of the four evangelists.

History of the cloister of Saint Peter in Carennac

The original cloister was also built here in the 11th century, again in the roman style, although apart from one gallery that remains, this original cloister was destroyed during the Hundred Years War (14th century).

The remainder of the cloister that we see today was built in the 15th century, using the Gothic style of architecture. A spiral staircase leads to the upper part of the cloister.

The cloister also suffered extensive damage after the French Revolution, before being used as a farm building for several decades. Many of the original features were lost during this period.

One interesting artefact that you can see in the cloister is the statue of the Mise au Tombeau (Laying in the Tomb) dating from the 15th century. This was originally painted in realistic colours to help bring life to the statues but the paint has disappeared with the passage of time. The central statue of the Mise au Tombeau is of the Virgin Mary, next to the body of Christ.

You can also see a small carving from the 16th century that shows events from the life of Christ.

Although the church is free to enter, there is a small charge to enter the cloister. You can pay at the Carennac Tourist Office next to the church.

Attractions nearby
The village of Carennac around the church is very pretty, and classed among the most beautiful villages in France, and you will exploring the medieval streets.
Other pretty villages near Carennac include Autoire, Curemonte and Turenne with its imposing castle.
See more churches in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Lot guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
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Places to visit near Carennac Church of Saint Peter and cloister

Carennac
There are numerous architectural highlights and attractive buildings in Carennac, one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'
Carennac guide

Chateau de Castelnau-Bretenoux
The Chateau de Castelnau-Loubressac is an imposing medieval castle built in red stone
Chateau de Castelnau-Bretenoux guide

Gouffre de Padirac
The Gouffre de Padirac is the most popular cave system in France
Gouffre de Padirac guide

Loubressac
Both the unspoiled nature of the village and the beautiful views make the small village of Loubressac a great pleasure to visit
Loubressac guide

Bretenoux
The town of Bretenoux has a medieval square, colombage houses and a river to explore
Bretenoux guide

Curemonte
In a lovely hilltop position, Curemonte is less touristic than many of the 'most beautiful villages in France' but certainly should be visited
Curemonte guide
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The French version of this page is at Carennac Church of Saint Peter and cloister (Francais)