Abbaye de Montbenoît, Gothic church monument in Montbenoît, France.
Abbaye de Montbenoît is a church with a simple 12th-century nave and an elaborate 16th-century choir section. The choir features Gothic vaulting and intricately carved oak stalls that draw the eye upward.
The monastery began in the early 12th century under the protection of a local lord and grew as an Augustinian community. It continued until 1773, when it was abandoned.
The abbey displays medieval craftsmanship through its hand-carved wooden stalls and stone religious figures. Visitors can see the care that went into each detail of these works made for worship.
The site is often visited with a guide, and opening times change depending on the season. It helps to check ahead before planning your visit.
Medieval prison cells lie beneath the monastery, accessible through hidden passages that few visitors explore. These underground rooms reveal a lesser-known side of monastic life.
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