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Fontenay Abbey, Burgundy
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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Visit Fontenay Abbey, France
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Map of Fontenay, France |
Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Fontenay Abbey
See the Visit Fontenay Abbey section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Fontenay Abbey car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.
Places to visit - Fontenay Abbey
- Ancy-le-Franc castle Burgundy castle
- Chatillon-sur-Seine Burgundy town
- Fontenay Abbey World Heritage Site
- Semur-en-Auxois Pretty Burgundy town
- Tanlay castle Burgundy castle
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos of Fontenay Abbey, France
This Fontenay Abbey tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
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