The "Collégiale Saint-Yrieix" was the center of a collegiate, that evolved from a convent founded by Saint Arédius (aka Saint Yrieix) around 560. The tomb of Saint Arédius was an early place of pilgrimage and a large church got erected from the 11th century on, when the monks had been replaced by a chapter of canons.

The oldest parts of the collegiate-church are the Romanesque portal and the tower. The wide nave was erected end of the 12th century, according to the "Base Mérimée".

In the treasury of Saint-Yrieix, behind shatterproof glass, is this small reliquary in which relics of Sainte Germaine were stored. The shrine was produced during the 13th century probably in nearby Limoges, known for the enamel works.