Fontevraud Abbey, Medieval abbey in Loire Valley, France
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud extends across 13 hectares with four priories, Gothic architecture, and extensive stone buildings from the Middle Ages.
Founded in 1101 by Robert d'Arbrissel, the abbey became a final resting place for Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century.
The abbey houses stone effigies of the Plantagenet royal family in the church nave, displaying medieval sculptural techniques and religious symbolism.
Visitors can explore the medieval kitchen, chapter house, cloisters, and abbey church through guided tours or self-guided visits with digital interpretation tools.
Napoleon converted this religious complex into a prison in 1804, where it remained operational until 1963 before becoming a cultural center.
Location: Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
Inception: 1101
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Website: https://fontevraud.fr
GPS coordinates: 47.18139,0.05167
Latest update: May 27, 2025 04:49
The Pays de la Loire region is full of lesser-known sites revealing the history and diversity of this western France region. Beyond the typical tourist routes, these sites provide an authentic insight into local heritage, craft traditions, and preserved natural landscapes. Among these destinations are castles like Brissac, the tallest in France, and the fortress of Tiffauges, associated with medieval legends. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Gallery of the Apocalypse Tapestry in Angers, a 14th-century textile work, or the Fontevraud Abbey, a remarkable monastic complex. Curious visitors will also find unusual sites such as the Passage du Gois, a tidal road connecting Noirmoutier Island to the mainland depending on the tide, and the Epinay Mill, still operational today. This selection also includes specialized botanical gardens, such as Camifolia in Chemillé, thematic museums dedicated to Jules Verne or early 20th-century rural life, as well as vineyards and manors surrounded by gardens. These locations, often frequented by locals, offer a different perspective for exploring the Pays de la Loire.
Château de Montsoreau
3.9 km
Château de Montsoreau-Museum of Contemporary Art
3.9 km
Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park
4 km
Collégiale de Candes-Saint-Martin
3.7 km
Montsoreau Flea Market
4 km
Mushroom Museum
4.3 km
Varennes-Montsoreau Bridge
4.6 km
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
4 km
Château de Môh
3.6 km
Château Vieux de Candes
3.7 km
Église Saint-Michel de Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
174 m
Église Saint-Germain de Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne
3.9 km
Moulin La Herpinière, Turquant
3.2 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Montsoreau
3.9 km
Lanterne des morts de Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
252 m
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié de Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
470 m
Église Saint-Aubin de Turquant
5 km
Windmill of La Tranchée
3.3 km
Provotship building in the city of Candes-Saint-Martin
3.7 km
Moulin à vent du Val Hulin
5.2 km
Île Boiret
3.7 km
Golf de Loudun-Fontevraud
2.9 km
Sainte-Radegonde church of Couziers
3.4 km
Confluence Beach
4 km
Prieuré Saint-Lazare de Fontevraud
195 m
Chapelle Saint-Benoît de l'abbaye de Fontevraud
73 m
Musée d’art moderne de Fontevraud
94 m
Cloître du Grand-Moûtier
23 mReviews
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