Religious heritage
Abbaye de Fontenay
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.
- French, English
- American Express, Credit card, Cheques and postal orders, Holiday vouchers, Cash, Bank transfers, Visa
- Animaux bienvenus
Équipements
- Picnic area
- Bar
- Parking
- Toilettes
- Shop
- Specific theme activities
- Conferences
- Son et lumière
Tarifs & Horaires
Ouverture :
Du 12/11/2025 au 02/04/2026 de 10:00 à 12:00 - de 14:00 à 17:00
Du 03/04/2026 au 01/11/2026 de 10:00 à 18:00
Open every day of the year:
From 12 November 2025 to 2 April 2026: from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm on a self-guided tour (no reservation required) or on a private guided tour (reservation required).
From 3 April 2026 to 1 November 2026: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (without prior booking).
From 2 November 2026 to April 2027: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (no reservation required) or private guided tours (reservation required).
For regular guided tours, please check the times and cancellations on the home page of our website.
- Base rate - full rate adult : Tarif unique de 11.5€ (Guided tour: + € 3)
- Special rate : Tarif unique de 9.5€ (Reduced rate for students, disabled people and jobseekers. Guided tour: + €3)
- Child rate : Tarif unique de 8.5€ (Free for children under 6. Children aged 7 to 12 Guided tour: + €1 Free guided tour booklet for 7-12 year-olds.)
- Group rate : Tarif unique de 9.7€ (Group rate for 15 people or more. For a guided tour, please allow for a fixed guide fee: 2 to 4 people: €160 5 to 14 people: €145 + More than 15 people: €135 Reservations required.)
- Special rate : Tarif unique de 7€ (Reduced group rate for students and people with disabilities. For a guided tour, please ask for the guide package: 2 to 4 people : 160 € From 5 to 14 people : 145 € + More than 15 people : 135 € B...)
- Children's group rate : Tarif unique de 6.4€ (Free for children under 6. Children aged 7 to 12. For a guided tour, a guide package is required: 2 to 4 people: €160 5 to 14 people: €145 + More than 15 people: €135 Reservations required.)
Visits do not require prior booking. From 12 November 2025 to 2 April 2026, Fontenay Abbey can be visited freely from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement. From 3 April 2026 to 1 November 2026, open from 10am to 6pm and regular guided tours without prior booking at the following times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm and 4pm. To be confirmed on our website www.abbayedefontenay.com From 2 November 2026 to April 2027, Fontenay Abbey is open to the public from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
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