Mozac is a town in Puy-de-Dôme, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, west of Riom, which it borders on.
Located in the Limagne plain, around 400 m above sea level, at the foot of the Puys range, its 4 km² area is now largely urbanized, and only 45% of agricultural areas remain.
The history of the locality, crossed in Antiquity by the Roman road connecting Clermont-Ferrand to Bourges, is very quickly linked to that of the Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century by the Duke of Aquitaine, then richly endowed by Pépin le Bref. It will become after the year 1000 one of the largest and most powerful in France.
The abbey church (12th and 16th centuries) and the convent buildings (taken over in the 18th century) remain today the jewel of the town, even if the monks left the site during the Revolution.
Crossed by the Ambène stream, taking advantage of the proximity of Riom and Volvic, Mozac has a range of high quality cultural and "nature" leisure activities. With nearly 4000 inhabitants, it is an "unavoidable" stopover during a stay in Auvergne...
Classified from the first list of 1840, the abbey of Mozac, also recognized as a major Cluniac site, remains an example of religious art in Auvergne.
However, due to an earthquake at the end of the 15th century, only the nave and the north aisle of the church (which has become a parish) are authentically Romanesque (12th century). From this period, a set of 47 remarkable capitals remain. The rest of the building was rebuilt in a Gothic style with Volvic stones and materials recovered after the earthquake.
From the Carolingian period, the crypt with its ambulatory now houses a lapidary museum where sculpted elements representative of Auvergne Romanesque art are exhibited: they come from the abbey itself but also from some of the dozen of priories it owned. Established in 1950, the museum is currently closed for renovations. Information on +33 4 73 38 99 94.
The conventual buildings for their part have been saved, restored just before the Revolution but having kept Gothic and Renaissance doors, in particular at the level of the cloister.
Apart from the crypt which has become a museum, the whole is open to visitors all year round, in particular the abbey church which has become a parish. And in summer, the abbey hosts a music festival and exhibitions. Information on +33 4 73 33 71 71.
The town which has developed in the wake of its abbey retains other notable heritage elements.
We can therefore cite a legal monument (serving as a territorial limit in the 14th century) at the intersection of Henri-Pourrat and Saint-Calmin streets, or elements of the Romanesque ramparts.
Also worth seeing, south of the abbey, is the Château de Portabéraud, a stately home converted into a pleasant pleasure residence (or "folie") in the 18th century. The gate and other ironwork and sculptures in the park are remarkable. The property is not open to the public.
The Cheminat mill which bears witness to the milling activity of yesteryear on the course of the Ambène, an aqueduct whose origin dates back to the 12th century, the Gaby house (16th) in the village and traditional winegrowers' dwellings (with external staircase connecting the cellar to the accommodation) will still mark out a discovery trail. This can be done via maps and descriptions available at the town hall. Contact +33 4 73 33 71 71.
On the cultural side, the town has a performance hall, L'Arlequin, which has 500 seats and a program of plays, concerts and one-man-show type shows. In addition, the former chapter house of the abbey, which has become municipal property, hosts artistic exhibitions, and other events are held within the Maison des associations. Information on these sites on +33 4 73 33 71 71. Finally, let us mention the Reading Point depending on the Riom media library, housed within the Maison des associations and which offers activities (readings, meetings, etc.): contact +33 4 73 38 36 75.
For athletes, a BMX track, a pétanque court and indoor or outdoor tennis courts are accessible to visitors and holidaymakers in particular (to be reserved at the local club on +33 4 73 38 78 74).
The municipality of Mozac also has great potential for walkers and hikers.
One of the main assets in this field is the Coulée Verte following the course of the Ambene to Riom. Arranged for this purpose, the path allows you to observe in a green setting the old arrangements made over the centuries to supply the abbey with water, but also the irrigation systems for market gardens and the remains of mills.
On the municipal territory, the Bossin park and the Hostellerie park, which includes play areas, are also dedicated to families.
For larger hikes, including forays to Riom or Volvic, for example, or specific indications on secure trails and routes for cyclists, maps and information on +33 4 73 38 59 45.
On May 1, the big Mozac fair continues a tradition that began in the 13th century.
From June to September, the Nuits du Cloître festival at the abbey with evening classical music concerts, rock concerts, plays… The buildings of the abbey are illuminated on this occasion.
In August, artistic exhibition with nocturnes in the abbey.
In December, the Saturday before Christmas, big trail of Mozac (nature walking race).
