Abbaye de Fontenay Admission: Experience the Beauty of a 12th Century Burgundy Heritage Abbey
4.8
89 Ratings
Montbard

Welcome to the Fontenay Abbey, a cherished 12th Century Burgundy inheritance! Treat yourself to the untouched architectural elegance standing immaculate for 900 years, while indulging in the peaceful serenity of this sanctified location.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Abbaye de Fontenay - Fontenay Abbey in Burgundy was founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a leading French saint, and is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world.

Recognized as French historic monument in 1862, it was declared World Heritage by Unesco in 1981. It was one of the first French monuments on this list, which has distinguished the exceptional interest of the Abbey and its natural environment.

After the French revolution, which led to the departure of the monks, it was converted to an industrial use which preserved all the buildings of the Romanesque period: the Abbey Church, the Dormitory, Cloister, Chapter Room, the Common Room, and the Forge.

The Abbey is decorated with a landscaped park which was listed in 2004 as “Remarkable Garden” by the National Council of Parks and Gardens.

Located in northern Burgundy, it is nestled in a fully preserved valley which extends over 1,200 hectares.

Since 1820, the Abbey of Fontenay has been the private ownership of the same family, which continues to preserve this exceptional site opening to public visit all year round. The Abbey welcomes 100,000 visitors each year who come to admire the beauty and purity of architecture unspoiled for 900 years, and enjoy the quiet of a place designed for spirituality.

What's Included
  • Admission to Abbey of Fontenay
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
  • Included ts gardens and the lapidary museum.
Location
Abbaye de Fontenay
Marmagne
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(89 Ratings)
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V_roniquep309
May 8, 2024
Soothing - Very calm and peaceful place. The places are just magnificent. Very well maintained monuments and gardens. Nice visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bretteurduciel
Apr 22, 2024
Grand abbey - A fascinating place for its extent, its beauty, its majesty and its peace. Time seems to have stopped there. The entrance fee is, however, a bit high.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oa36
Apr 1, 2024
Exceptional lei - A site which is well worth the detour because the abbey is certainly quite complete and very well maintained. Unfortunately, we were not able to enjoy the exteriors because intense rains prevented us from discovering their riches and perhaps feeling the monastic soul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loika469
Sep 5, 2023
Magnifique - Simply gorgeous, not to be missed - Sans aucun doute l’une des plus belle abbaye cistercienne ! L’ensemble des bâtiments et les jardins sont remarquables. Parfaitement restauré et entretenu, le site vaut le détour ! Without doubt one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys! All the buildings and gardens are remarkable. Perfectly restored and maintained, the site is well worth a visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trailblazer783981
Aug 27, 2023
A visit not to be missed - An absolutely breathtaking site not to be missed. The serenity that reigns there adds an extra touch to the setting. Whether it's the exterior or interior of the buildings, or even the gardens, everything is worth the detour. A very beautiful morning spent with family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
1hervem
Aug 25, 2023
Beautiful testimony from the Middle Ages - This superbly restored abbey in a green setting is a precious testimony to monastic life in the Middle Ages. The buildings are as remarkable as the garden, beautifully maintained by a team of talented gardeners. The film at the end of the visit perfectly retraces the history of this abbey saved from ruin thanks to its industrial activity before the revolution. On a practical level, picnic tables would be welcome near the parking lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marypn1989lf
Aug 23, 2023
Very interesting visit in a magnificent setting - Serenity in a splendid setting, magnificent, very well maintained gardens. The abbey is grandiose. The guide we had told the history of this religious place very well. Very nice visit to recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrisbg3550ye
Aug 19, 2023
Exceptional site - Wonderfully well maintained place, whether the buildings or the gardens. Everything breathes serenity, sobriety and purity! It is a haven of peace. Gregorian chants and chairs in the abbey church would allow us to meditate in this place so full of spirituality.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ericr4052
Aug 3, 2023
The romanticism of Edmond Rostand! - The Montgolfière family saved this remarkable Cistercian place and gave it the luster it deserves! The now secular abbey shines in all its splendor! The guided tour is a cultural charm that it would be foolish to refuse! The bench where the brilliant Depardieu formulated the most beautiful declaration of love to Roxane will leave a romantic tear in all sensitive souls! Worth the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
460delphined
Oct 28, 2023
A bit expensive! Damage. - We enjoyed the site and the children enjoyed the little treasure hunt. It's a shame, however, that we can't see the infirmary and other objects relating to life in the past. Plus the price is a bit high for a family of 5, which is a shame!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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