Cadouin Abbey, Cistercian monastery in Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, France.
The abbey features a Gothic cloister with intricate stone sculptures, finely carved columns, and interlaced vaults constructed during the 15th century.
Founded in 1115 by Gerald of Salles under Robert of Arbrissel's direction, the monastery joined the Cistercian Order in 1119 with Henri as its first abbot.
The abbey gained prominence as a pilgrimage site due to a cloth believed to be from Christ's tomb, drawing visitors including Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Located between Sarlat and Bergerac, the abbey now includes a youth hostel within its renovated complex and remains open for public visits.
The cloister displays numerous arabesques and architectural details that survived the French Revolution, when many religious buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Location: Le Buisson-de-Cadouin
Inception: 1115
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
Part of: Way of Saint James UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France
Address: Cadouin 24480 Le Buisson-de-Cadouin
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 14:00-18:00
Phone: +33553633628
Website: https://cloitre-cadouin.fr/fr
GPS coordinates: 44.81147,0.87373
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:41
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region contains historic and natural sites often overlooked by traditional tourist routes. The area features military castles such as Bonaguil with its seven 13th-century towers, underground churches carved into limestone in Saint-Émilion and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, as well as caves decorated with Paleolithic paintings like that of Villars. Medieval villages such as Talmont-sur-Gironde preserve their original layout and overlook the Gironde estuary. From Dordogne to the Pyrenean foothills, the region presents rock-hewn forts like Maison Forte de Reignac, Benedictine abbeys established since the 8th century in Brantôme, and Romanesque churches like the Collegiate Church of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat. The Vayres and Roquetaillade castles demonstrate the evolution of fortified architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. These sites reflect the military, religious, and cultural history of the region and provide diverse examples of southwestern France's architectural heritage.
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