Abbey of Saint-Léger d’Ébreuil

At that time, a church was built, which in 906 housed the relics of Saint Leodegar of Autun (Léger, †678), former abbot of Saint-Maixent and bishop of Autun. In 924, when the community was able to return to its original monastery, part of the saint’s relics remained in Ébreuil, together with some monks. It is believed that the monastery of Ébreuil was founded in 926, and soon became a house of notable vitality, although its community was small. In 1031 it founded the priory of Saint-Léger de Cognac (Charente).

Of the former monastery, only the abbey church remains, the result of various building phases and alterations carried out mainly between the 11th and 13th centuries, and of 19th-century restorations. The church has three naves —the southern one reconstructed—, and on the western façade an atrium with a bell tower, added around 1125. It has a transept that originally had two apsidioles, and a 13th-century chancel, restored in 1510, with five apses. The interior preserves notable remains of medieval wall painting.