Noirlac Abbey, Cistercian monastery in Bruère-Allichamps, France
The stone monastery features Romanesque architecture with strong walls, a central cloister, an abbey church, and multiple monastic buildings arranged in a square pattern.
Founded in 1136 by monks from Clairvaux Abbey, the monastery underwent construction phases throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, with modifications during the 18th century.
The monastery now functions as a cultural center, presenting music performances, art exhibitions, and educational workshops focused on heritage and regional traditions.
Guided tours operate from February through December, allowing visitors to explore the church, chapter house, dormitory, refectory, and cellars of the monastery.
Archaeological excavations in 1893 revealed the lost tomb of Robert de Châtillon, the monastery's founder, within the armarium of the building.
Location: Bruère-Allichamps
Inception: 1136
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
Address: Noirlac 18200 Bruère-Allichamps
Website: http://abbayedenoirlac.com
GPS coordinates: 46.74500,2.46028
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40
The Centre-Val de Loire showcases a diverse heritage, from medieval fortresses like Château de Lavardin to Renaissance structures. The region features protected natural sites such as the Chérine Nature Reserve and the Domaine du Ciran, which host hundreds of bird species in their ponds and woodlands. The Savonnières Pétrifiantes Caves illustrate local geological phenomena, while the Briare Canal Bridge demonstrates 19th-century engineering. This selection also includes historical and cultural sites, from the Dunois Mill preserving 17th-century mechanisms to the Marcel Proust Museum housed in an authentic residence. The Picassiette House in Chartres exhibits Raymond Isidore's unique work over several decades. The Parc Floral de la Source and the Saint-Ours Collegiate complete this exploration combining Gothic religious architecture with themed gardens, providing diverse discoveries accessible to visitors.
Berry gathers a historical and natural heritage that spans from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Bourges, built between 1195 and 1255, is one of France's major Gothic monuments, with five sculpted portals and 13th-century stained glass windows. The Jacques Cœur Palace, home of Charles VII's treasurer, showcases 15th-century civic architecture. The Bourges marshlands consist of a 135-hectare network of vegetable gardens irrigated by medieval canals, still cultivated in the city center. The region preserves several medieval castles such as Sagonne with its 30-meter square keep, and Noirlac Abbey, which features a complete monastic complex with cloister and monastic buildings. George Sand's estate in Nohant-Vic offers insight into the novelist's residence with period furnishings and her private theater. The Berry and Resistance museums in Bourges feature collections from Gallo-Roman times, medieval periods, and testimonies from World War II. The area also includes natural spaces like Lake Virlay, suitable for fishing and forest walks.
Château de Montrond
3.7 km
Château de Meillant
5.4 km
Antiguo yacimiento de Drevant
7.5 km
Abbaye de Noirlac
99 m
Château de Châteaufer
6.3 km
Église Saint-Blaise de la Celle
2.9 km
Borne milliaire de Bruère-Allichamps
3.4 km
Église Saint-Amand de Saint-Amand-Montrond
4.7 km
Prieuré de Drevant
7.6 km
Église Saint-Étienne d'Allichamps
5.1 km
Chapelle Saint-Sylvain de La Celle
3.2 km
Église Saint-Georges de Saint-Georges-de-Poisieux
6.5 km
Building of the Savings Bank of Saint-Amand-Montrond
4.3 km
Château de la Brosse
3.7 km
Ancienne église des Carmes de Saint-Amand-Montrond
4.4 km
Église Saint-Paxent de Nozières
2.3 km
Église Saint-Martin d'Orcenais
4 km
Église Saint-Roch de Bouzais
4.5 km
Église Saint-Hilaire d'Orval
2.7 km
Drevant amphitheatre
7.5 km
Hôtel Neyret de la Ravoie
4.3 km
Église Saint-Aubin de Meillant
5.2 km
Musée Saint-Vic
4.5 km
Maison, 1 rue du Four, rue Raoul-Rochette
4.4 km
Orgue de tribune de l'église Saint-Amand de Saint-Amand-Montrond
4.7 km
Maison, 4 rue Croix de Fer, Saint-Amand-Montrond
4.4 km
Maison, 13 rue Émile Zola, Saint-Amand-Montrond
4.3 km
Chapelle de Meillant
5.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes