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Details
Founded: 1111Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)
Rating
4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)
User Reviews
Kathelijne Van Gampelaere (4 years ago)
Fontdouce Abbey has a 900-year - old history. It was founded in 1111 as a small scale monastery, but became richer thanks to donations, especially the ones of Eleanor of Aquitaine. During the following centuries, the abbey obtains the titel of Royal Abbey, but after the French Revolution, the abbey was sold and turned into a farm. Fortunately the first restorations started in 1970 and still continue. Behind and below the mansion built in the 19th century that appears in the first place, several Roman and Gothic rooms, that no one expects to discover after the entrance Gate, were restored. In this way, the two superimposed Roman chapels, the Roman cellar, the chapter house and the Gothic parlour, the monk's room, and of course the abbatial enclosure with the remains of the old church, firm a clear unity restored during the last 45 years. Visitors can understand better the size of the monastery. The whole, after some restorations from the 18th and 19th century, almost gives a labyrinthe impression. Beautiful location, hidden behind a thick curtain of centenarian oak trees inside a small valley. Go see it!
Fontdouce Abbey has a 900-year - old history. It was founded in 1111 as a small scale monastery, but became richer thanks to donations, especially the ones of Eleanor of Aquitaine. During the following centuries, the abbey obtains the titel of Royal Abbey, but after the French Revolution, the abbey was sold and turned into a farm. Fortunately the first restorations started in 1970 and still continue. Behind and below the mansion built in the 19th century that appears in the first place, several Roman and Gothic rooms, that no one expects to discover after the entrance Gate, were restored. In this way, the two superimposed Roman chapels, the Roman cellar, the chapter house and the Gothic parlour, the monk's room, and of course the abbatial enclosure with the remains of the old church, firm a clear unity restored during the last 45 years. Visitors can understand better the size of the monastery. The whole, after some restorations from the 18th and 19th century, almost gives a labyrinthe impression. Beautiful location, hidden behind a thick curtain of centenarian oak trees inside a small valley. Go see it!
Mitja Sedlbauer (5 years ago)
Former abbey was abandoned in the revolution. Later taken over by a benefactor family who maintains the legacy of the place. This place became a venue for music events and kids adventure with an adrenalin park close by.
Former abbey was abandoned in the revolution. Later taken over by a benefactor family who maintains the legacy of the place. This place became a venue for music events and kids adventure with an adrenalin park close by.
Walter Joyce (6 years ago)
This place is a complete ripoff. Yes, the small gardens and the settings are lovely, but not much of the original abbey remains, half of the facility was blocked to visitors the day we visited, and even three-year-old children are charged for admission (21 EUR for a family of four!). Our visit was over after only 30 minutes, even though we love visiting old churches and monasteries. The French countryside is littered with historical sites that offer much more at much less cost. We did not visit the associated adventure park, so this review only pertains to the "abbey."
This place is a complete ripoff. Yes, the small gardens and the settings are lovely, but not much of the original abbey remains, half of the facility was blocked to visitors the day we visited, and even three-year-old children are charged for admission (21 EUR for a family of four!). Our visit was over after only 30 minutes, even though we love visiting old churches and monasteries. The French countryside is littered with historical sites that offer much more at much less cost. We did not visit the associated adventure park, so this review only pertains to the "abbey."
AC W (7 years ago)
Great visit. Loved it!
Great visit. Loved it!
Rachael Pittaway (7 years ago)
Beautiful Abbey with so much history, lovingly restored in relaxing and peaceful setting. Stunning.
Beautiful Abbey with so much history, lovingly restored in relaxing and peaceful setting. Stunning.
