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, with its rich history and beautiful landscapes, holds many lesser-known attractions waiting to be explored. From serene gardens and medieval castles to unique museums and secret caves, this collection uncovers the most enchanting and underrated spots in the area. These are the places that locals love and insiders share, inviting you on a journey off the beaten path within the stunning French province.
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
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