MOUTIER d'AHUN

Location:

Department: Creuse 23

Région: Limousin, France

Inhabitants: 196

Height: 456 m

Guéret: 22 km

Moutier d'Ahun (pronounced Moot-y-er da-un) is a beautiful medieval village 2km from Ahun, in the Creuse department of Central France. Moutier d'Ahun has a remarkable abbey church filled with 17th century wood carvings by Simon Bauer and his companions.

Les boiseries (The woodwork)

This modest monastery now contains the main attraction of the village. They are classified as an historic monument since 1889.

The spectacular woodcarvings were commissioned by the Priors John Le Moyne, then Etienne Le Moyne, priors of 1640 and 1694.

The works were carried out in two stages (1673-1674 and 1678-1681) by a workshop sculptor from the Auvergne, Simon Bouer. The first stage was the great altar piece and the second stage was the surrounding decorations, doors and 26 stalls richly decorated with floral patterns, animals and faces. There is a fee to enter but it is worth the price. This is a unique piece of Baroque art found in an ancient French village.
 

The Bridge

While it is named the Roman Bridge, it actually dates from around the 12th century. It crosses the River Creuse, which at this point is wide and shallow. It is very picturesque.

There is a pleasant picnic site close-by which has some children's playground equipment.

The Village

Moutier Ahun is a very picturesque village and is worth a visit. Stroll along the main street but also make your way up (or down) the parallel side street. Here you can see some ancient remains in the walls and gardens of properties along the route.

The river Creuse is at the lower end of the village and the Abbey church is at the top end (south). There is a café near the bridge and some tourist outlets near the church.

Some local artists open their homes up for exhibitions.

Travel

Google Map

Mairies de Moutier Ahun

23150 Moutier d'Ahun

Tél/fax : 05 55 62 45 63

mairie@moutier-d-ahun.fr

horaires d'ouverture du secrétariat

Monday :  de 8h30 à 12h et de 13h à 17h

Wednesday : de 8h30 à 12h  et de 14h à 18h

Office de Tourisme d'Ahun

12, place Defumade

23150 AHUN

Tél. 05 55 62 55 93

Fax 05 55 62 77 55

o.t.ahun@wanadoo.fr