The Abbey of Fontenay was founded by Saint Bernard in 1118. It is one of the oldest Cistercian abbeys in Europe. The Romanesque architecture offers a remarkable unity to all buildings remained intact since the Middle Ages. The Abbey was transformed into a paper mill after the French Revolution by the family Montgolfier and was bought back in 1906 by Edouard Aynard, the ancestor of the present owners who continue on safeguarding this masterpiece of Romanesque art. The old Abbey of Fontenay (12th century) was one of the first monuments to be inscribed on the Unesco world heritage list. This classification has distinguished the exceptional value of Fontenay and its environment.
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 30 March 2024 to 11 November 2024: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (no need to book).
From 12 November 2024 to 31 March 2025: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (without prior booking) or private guided tours (by prior booking only).
From 1 April 2025 to 11 November 2025: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (without prior booking).
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
