Fontenay Abbey
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Fontenay Abbey is found 6 km east of Montbard in the Burgundy region.
The abbey at Fontenay is privately owned, and open for guided visits. It is found in an attractive wooded valley.
The cistercian abbey - the only intact monastery remaining in Burgundy - was founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. It's heyday was during the 12th and 13th centuries, but it fell into decline and was several times attacked and plundered during the later Hundred Years War and the wars of Religion (see history of France section).
The abbey chuch was built in the middle of the 12th century, to a cruciform plan, and the beautiful cloisters were built around the same time.
Activity as an abbey stopped with the revolution, and the abbey found new life as a paper mill, an activity which lasted until 1902.
Restoration of the abbey started around 1905, and most of the original structures are restored (the refectory had been earlier demolished by the monks). It is the fine condition of these buildings - the church, the cloisters, hospital, prison, kennels and so on - that make the abbey so interesting, providing perhaps the most complete view of monastic life to be found anywhere in Europe.
The presence of an industrial forge at the abbey is also interesting - it is one of the earliest ironwork factories to be found in Europe.
The setting of the abbey in its wooded valley is also perfect, with the babbling streams and quiet shade being the perfect setting for quiet contemplation.
Fontenay Abbey is one of about 30 sites in France to appear on the UNESCO world heritage sites list.
Visit Fontenay: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Or visit Burgundy gites Other holiday / vacation options Holiday villages in France France camping holidays See Visit Fontenay Abbey for places to visit near Fontenay Abbey including: - a detailed map - villages in bloom - most beautiful villages Fontenay Abbey property for sale See Burgundy property for sale for available properties for sale and a property search |
Tourist Classifications for Fontenay Abbey
- Listed UNESCO World Heritage Site
Places to visit near Fontenay Abbey
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Fontenay Abbey.
Some places to visit within 30 km of Fontenay Abbey are shown below (if found).
Ancy-le-Franc castle Burgundy castle at 28 km Chatillon-sur-Seine Burgundy town at 35 km Flavigny Most beautiful village at 22 km Semur-en-Auxois Pretty town at 15 km
See also Fontenay Abbey (version Francais)
Airports near Fontenay Abbey
No airports have been found within 150km. Please see France airports to locate other airports in the region.
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Map of Fontenay Abbey, France |