Founded in 1114, the Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny has been an important part of the Yonne landscape and history for over 900 years. Over the centuries, it has seen it all, from its darkest days to its most glorious. In the 12th century, it had a worldwide reputation as the head of 44 daughter abbeys.
Today, under the impetus of the François Schneider Foundation and a number of local enthusiasts, it is at the heart of an ambitious programme focusing on the earth.
In this unique project, the earth will be expressed in all its forms: as a material to cultivate, as a material to create, to think about, to build on, but also as a material to explore.
There are three possible visits:
THE SPIRIT OF THE PLACE, an audio journey through the unique history of Pontigny Abbey
Equipped with a narrator and headphones, (re)discover the exceptional Abbey of Pontigny in a different way. This immersive audio tour, a real film for the ears, goes back in time and brings the Abbey back to life over the centuries: you'll meet its historical figures, its monks, the craftsmen who built it, Queen Adèle, the English archbishop Thomas Beckett, the intellectuals who gathered for the Decades... Thanks to the original script, performed by actors and musicians, and the high quality of the spatialized sound, you'll have a memorable experience. History awaits!
RENDEZ-VOUS AVEC L'HISTOIRE, a guided tour of Pontigny Abbey
Accompanied by an interpreter, explore the exceptional history and architecture that make Pontigny Abbey so special. He'll take you on a tour of the construction of this 12th-century abbey church, the daily lives of the Cistercian monks, and explain the strategic role of this second daughter of Cîteaux, as well as the events that have shaped its history over the centuries. It's an inspiring tour that will captivate history and heritage lovers and the simply curious.
PARENTHESIS AT PONTIGNY, A walk around Pontigny Abbey
Stroll freely through the alleys of the estate and explore the site at your own pace. A few signs will help you to understand the site, but above all, let yourself be carried away by its grandeur and natural beauty: observe the remains of the Cistercian cloister, stroll through Paul Desjardins' hornbeam hedge, stop in the shade of the majestic purple beech that now houses a work of art, listen to nature...
And if this first experience has whetted your curiosity, come back to find out more about this abbey with an extraordinary destiny.
- French, English
- Audio-guide
- Bar
- Restaurant
- entertainment
- Shop
- Wireless service
From 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024 of 10:00 to 18:30
Open every day from 10am to 6.30pm.
Brochures Bourgogne Tourisme
Consult our brochures online or order them to receive at home