Bonneval Abbey, Cistercian abbey in Le Cayrol, France
Bonneval Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Le Cayrol in the Aveyron region with stone buildings perched on a hillside. The grounds include gardens, agricultural fields, and multiple building wings arranged around a central courtyard.
The monastery was founded in 1147 and became a center for regional development. Over the centuries it remained an important site for religious scholarship and agricultural advancement.
Monks live at the abbey and divide their time between prayer, manual work, and teaching. Visitors walking through the grounds can sense the quiet rhythm of monastic daily life.
The abbey is accessible for visitors to explore the buildings and grounds, with a shop selling chocolate and regional products. It is best visited during daylight hours when all areas are open.
The monks here have maintained a chocolate making tradition for many generations using recipes developed within the community. This particular craft is not common among French monasteries and gives the place its special character.
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