Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard, Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. The Romanesque architecture lends a remarkable homogeneity to the 12th-century buildings, which have remained intact after more than eight centuries of history. Visitors can explore the church, the cloister, the monks' dormitory, the chapter house, the scriptorium and the great forge. After visiting the monastery, garden lovers can wander freely in the two-hectare park and admire the new landscaped garden with its many varieties of plants and shrubs. Now privately owned, Fontenay Abbey was one of the first French sites to be included on UNESCO's World Heritage List, in 1981. The former monastery is located in the hollow of a listed, entirely unspoilt valley. The footpaths invite you to go for many walks in the beech and ash forest.
Types
- Abbey
- cloister
- Monastry
- Religious heritage
- Cistercian
- Romanesque
Quality labels
- Abbayes et sites cisterciens d'Europe
- Accueil Vélo
- Epiques Epoques
- Patrimoine Mondial de l'UNESCO
- Symboles de France
- Listed or registered (CNMHS)
- UNESCO World Heritage
On site
Facilities
- Specific theme activities
- Conferences
- Son et lumière
Services
- French
- English
- Shop
- Pets accepted
Amenities
- Picnic area
- Bar
- Parking
- Toilettes
Prices
Payment methods
- American Express
- Credit card
- Cheques and postal orders
- Holiday vouchers
- Cash
- Bank transfers
- Visa
Opening times
Open every day of the year:
From 12 November 2024 to 31 March 2025: from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (no booking required) or private guided tours (booking required).
From 1 April 2025 to 11 November 2025: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (without prior booking).
From 12 November 2024 to April 2026: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (without prior booking) or private guided tours (by prior booking only).
Special opening conditions
Visits do not require prior booking.
From 12 November 2024 to 31 March 2025, Fontenay Abbey can be visited freely from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
From 1 April 2025 to 11 November 2025, open from 10am to 6pm and regular guided tours without prior booking at the following times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm, 4pm and 5pm.
To be confirmed on our website www.abbayedefontenay.com
From 12 November 2025 to April 2026, Fontenay Abbey is open to the public from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
