The Merovingian Necropolis of Civaux

Located in the Vienne, Civaux is a must-see destination for history enthusiasts. This village, a former Gallo-Roman site, houses exceptional remains of a Christian community established as early as the 4th century .

Among the archaeological treasures, one discovers a remarkable baptismal pool dating from the 5th century , adjoining a vast Merovingian necropolis containing more than 16,000 sarcophagi , one of the most important in Europe.

The Church of Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais combines an early Christian chancel with a Romanesque nave , still in use today. In contrast, the Gothic chapel in the cemetery is no longer used for worship. Not far from the river, the Cognum Tower , now privately owned, is a reminder of the feudal power of the medieval period.

An archaeological area completes the visit by retracing the fascinating history of the site from Antiquity to the Middle Ages.