Our Lady of Ambronay

Our Lady of Ambronay is a Benedictine monastery near Bourg-en-Bresse, France, featuring a Gothic church and stone buildings with large stained glass windows. The complex includes the church, a cloister, and adjoining structures that form the complete religious community layout.

The monastery was founded around 803 by Saint Bernard of Vienne and transformed several times through the centuries. The Gothic form seen today was established mainly in the 13th century after earlier Romanesque structures were reworked.

The abbey continues to serve religious purposes while hosting the international Ambronay Festival throughout the year with Baroque music performances. This combination brings music lovers and worshippers together in the same sacred space.

The church space is accessible daily to visitors, though guided tours of the cloister and monastic buildings need advance booking. Early morning hours offer the quietest experience for walking through the complex and observing the architecture without crowds.

The church has exceptional acoustics shaped by its architectural design, which attracts professional music recordings and performances. This quality makes the space a preferred location for music producers and artists seeking ideal sound conditions.