Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, Fontevraud Abbey

Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is a National Monument of France.

Description

One of the largest and best preserved of the major mediaeval abbeys. Tombs of the Plantagenet kings in the abbey church. Founded at the beginning of the 12th century by Robert d’Arbrissel, Fontevraud, one of the largest monastic communities in Christendom, housed the Order of Fontevraud that was directed by 36 abbesses, including sixteen of royal blood, from 1115 to 1792. The Plantagenet kings were buried here and the four youngest daughters of Louis XV were educated at Fontevraud. The majestic dome of the abbey church and the astonishing size of the kitchens are symbols of the Abbey’s power throughout the centuries. Since 1975 it has been the Cultural Centre for Western France. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO.

Address & Contact

Abbaye royale de Fontevraud B.P. 24 49590 Fontevraud-l’Abbaye

tél. : (33) (0)2 41 51 73 52 fax : (33) (0)2 41 38 15 44 mail: abbaye@abbayedefontevraud.com

Prices

Adults: 7€ Concessions: 4,50€

Opening times

January 2 to March 31: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. April 1 to June 30: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. July 1 to August 31: from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. September 1 to October 31: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. November 2 to December 31: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.

Other dates closed

January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25

More Information

• See Fontevraud Abbey for more local information
• See Places to visit near Royal Abbey of Fontevraud for other places to visit nearby
• See Royal Abbey of Fontevraud on the National Monuments website.

The above information is kindly provided by (and copyright) National Monuments of France.