A journey into the past
Fontenay Abbey: nature, heritage and silence
At the heart of the unspoilt Auxois countryside, there's an impeccably preserved Cistercian abbey, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The sheer beauty of the Roman buildings, combined with the impressive and just as beautiful gardens makes this an exceptional place, a peaceful, calm place, that is most definitely worth the detour. The ideal place to come and learn about the world of the Cistercian monks and their conception of life and religion!
Exploring the abbey
History
During the 12th century, a Cistercian order, a spiritual movement founded on the simplicity of monastic life, was created in Cîteaux in Côte-d'Or and developed throughout the whole of Europe. Fontenay Abbey was founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard and is today the perfect example of a great Cistercian abbey.
Discovering the various places
At the heart of Auxois, Fontenay Abbey is the ideal "city" in the middle of the woods, with everything that the monks needed to be able to work on their mind and body: church, cloister, refectory, dormitory, bakery, forge... This is exactly how we would have imagined a Cistercian abbey during the golden age of the order, in the 12th century.
A remarkable place and one of the 1st French sites to be recognised by UNESCO
Despite 9 centuries of history, all the buildings that make up this beautiful specimen, classified by UNESCO, are still intact and visitors are always delighted to admire the incredible beauty and flawlessness of the white and ochre-coloured stones, set in lush green grounds. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny and really enjoy the superb grounds that are ideal for a meditation session, a timeless moment of relaxation, cultural exploration... the choice is yours!
Silence, rolling... action!
The perfect filming location
The Three Muskateers; Angélique, Marquise des anges; Cyrano de Bergerac; L’Enfant des loups; La Marquise des ombres... These films are just some of the many that have chosen to film scenes in this historical place.
A "remarkable garden"
Fontenay Abbey is set in a valley at the heart of the forest. Wonder at the classical beauty of the gardens here!
The lawns look like velvet, the straight pathways are sandblasted pure white, perfectly trimmed bushes, flowerbeds... This garden has been awarded the French "Remarkable Garden" label!
Especially in the autumn!
In the autumn, the garden's hundred-year-old trees are covered in shades of bright yellow. The leaves cover the ground and the whole place looks magical.
Browse our selection
To see and do in the surrounding area of Fontenay Abbey
Delicious destination Flavigny-sur-Ozerain: visiting the village and surrounding area
Chapter of history MuséoParc Alésia: a historic and educational experience
Religious heritage
Abbaye de Fontenay
MARMAGNE 
Historical sites and monuments
Château de Bussy-Rabutin
BUSSY-LE-GRAND 
