In the heart of the Loire Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic cities inherited from the Middle Ages.
Through the exhibitions and guided tours, discover this thousand-year-old abbey and let yourself be surprised by its history... A huge playground, Fontevraud has not forgotten its young visitors! Maps of Temporal Passages to explore the abbey like an adventurous guide or family workshops during weekends and school holidays to enjoy the places differently: it is promised, with these activities, neither parents nor the children will not want to leave the Abbey!
Namely: Fontevraud is also a modern art museum, a 4-star hotel and a gourmet restaurant run by chef Thibault Ruggeri, Bocuse d'or, 1 Michelin star, 3 Gault & Millau toques also awarded the green star of sustainable gastronomy. A unique experience to live with privileged access to the site in the evening.
Since 2014, numerous actions have been implemented with a strong emphasis on the environment and in particular the establishment of the energy center which has made it possible to significantly increase the biomass coverage rate. In 2023, if energy consumption remains at the heart of our priorities, the areas of CSR development have focused more on cultural and societal themes. The Social Responsibility of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is based on the Scientific and Cultural Project and sobriety at the heart of the customer experience. It is structured around three axes:
• Commitment to serving territories and audiences;
• Commitment to serving employees;
• Commitment to serving the environment.
Would you also like to visit the Fontevraud Museum of Modern Art?
Opt for the combined abbey & museum ticket!
Full price: from €16
Reduced price: from €8,50
Attachment bars 150 m away (Allée Sainte Catherine near the bike service area)
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe located in the Loire Valley. Founded in 1101 by Robert d'Arbrissel, it has played an important role in the religious and political history of France.
In its early days, the abbey was a double monastery, hosting both monks and nuns, headed by an abbess. The rules of life were strict and based on Benedictine monastic discipline.
Fontevraud Abbey flourished over the centuries and was supported by donations from nobility and royalty. It also benefited from the patronage of the Plantagenet dynasty. You can also see the recumbent effigies of several members of this family, including Henry II of England, Éléonore d'Aquitaine, Richard Coeur de Lion and Isabelle d'Angoulême.
Over time, the abbey was enlarged and embellished. Buildings include an abbey church, cloisters, dormitories, kitchens, and other monastic structures.
After the French Revolution, Fontevraud Abbey was closed and turned into a prison. This penitentiary function lasted until 1963. The abbey was then classified as a historic monument and underwent major restoration work.
Did you know?
36 abbesses succeeded each other at the head of the abbey until 1792, a unique situation in history!
Are you more into castles or troglodytes? Animal parks or parks and gardens? Cruises on the Loire or a ride on the touristic train?
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Travelers or locals of the region, you can find a wide selection of articles: posters, souvenirs, guides, gourmet products, etc.
For more choice, go directly to our gift shops.
