Fontenay abbey
Highlight of Romanesque art

Fontenay abbey is a Cistercian jewel in the crown of northern Burgundy, its remarkable state of preservation due to the remoteness of its leafy valley setting. A superb place to visit and refresh the spirit the abbey has UNESCO World Heritage status and is often used as a location for films and concerts.

Between forest and marshes

Fontenay abbey was founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard in a marshy valley near Montbard.

Originally a dependant of Clairvaux abbey, Fontenay flourished up to the 16th century. Royal interference in the abbey's affairs (known as the commende) and the Wars of Religion led to its decline.

A fascinating place

The abbey became public property in the French Revolution and was sold to the Montgolfier family who used it as a paper mill. In 1906 Édouard Aynard, a son-in-law of the family, bought it back to restore it. His descendants opened it to the public as a living museum of 12th century Cistercian monasticism.

• The abbey church has all the sober harmony of Cistercian architecture, a reflection of the monastic life.
• The 15th century roof structure of the monks' dormitory looks like a upturned ship's hull
• Be sure to walk around the Romanesque cloisters, one of very few to survive intact.
• The forge, by the river, is one of the very earliest ironworks in Europe.

The tranquillity of Fontenay's setting doesn't mean that tours are dull! During demonstrations you can see the forge hammer working just as it did in the 13th century.

Fontenay, a place of culture

The monastery buildings are set off by the new gardens. In summer the abbey stages concerts and plays. In 1990 Jean-Paul Rappeneau used it to film scenes from "Cyrano de Bergerac" and it was here that Philippe Monnier filmed "L'enfant des loups", based on the novel by Régine Desforges.

Did you know that the Abbey is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in private hands?

Fontenay abbey is a truly memorable stage in any trip through the Pays de l'Auxois, which would not be complete without also seeing Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, Alésia and Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.

Practical information

Fontenay abbey is the highlight of any visit to the Pays de Montbard. Its shop sells excellent books on Burgundy's Cistercian history and guides to tours in the region.

Address details

Abbaye de Fontenay
21500 Montbard
Tel. : +33 (0)3 80 92 15 00
E-mail : info@abbayedefontenay.com
http://www.abbayedefontenay.com/abbayedefontenay.htm

Opening times

11th November to 31st March:
 - 10am-12 noon & 2-5pm

1st April to 1st November:
 - 10am-6pm

Montbard Tourist Information office

Place Henri Vincenot
21500 Montbard
Tel. : +33 (0)3 80 92 53 81
E-mail : ot.montbard@wanadoo.fr
http://www.ot-montbard.fr/#

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