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Fontfroide Abbey
Fontfroide Abbey is found to the south-west of Narbonne in the Aude department of Languedoc-Roussillon.
It is the setting and surroundings in a quiet wooded valley that is almost impressive as the abbey itself at Fontfroide.
The abbey dates from the 12th century, although the monks had used the location a century before that. Further modifications were made at Fontfroide during the 17th century, when it was no longer run by the monks.
One key event in the history of the Abbey was triggered at the beginning of the 13th century - it was the murder of a monk from the abbey that triggered the Albigensian Crusade, and the abbey supported the crusade in the (ultimately successful) battle against the cathars in the region.
The abbey's life as a monastery was less consistent after the 14th century, largely due to the Black death which killed 75% of the monks in 1348. After the 17th century the abbey was in the hands of abbots who renovated much of the building and added many new section. These abbots were not monks and this explains some of the additions to the building being slightly less monastic and rather more 'homely' than expected.
Nonetheless the slightly out of keeping renovations do little to detract from the overall appeal of the abbey.
The abbey was once again occupied by monks from 1858 onwards, until a law passed in 1901 outlawed communities of monks. At the beginning of the 20th century the abbey fell into private hands, and was further renovated and 'enhanced'.
The impressive cloisters and the Italian style gardens are perhaps the highlight of a visit to this well proportioned ensemble - but I do have a soft spot for cloisters!
Fontfroide abbey is still privately owned and visits are by guided tour only.
Fontfroide Abbey: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Fontfroide Abbey
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Fontfroide Abbey.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Fontfroide Abbey are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Minerve Most beautiful village at 30 km
- Sigean Nature Reserve African Nature Reserve at 14 km
- Narbonne Coastal city at 13 km
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This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Fontfroide Abbey when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
