Abbaye Saint-Jean des Prémontrés, Medieval abbey in central Amiens, France

Abbaye Saint-Jean des Prémontrés is a monastery complex in central Amiens built around a central courtyard with connected structures. The buildings form a U-shape with vaulted galleries that were constructed mainly during the 17th century and create covered walkways linking the various rooms.

Founded in 1124 by Guy de Flixecourt, castellan of Amiens, the abbey moved in 1136 to the banks of the Selle on land given by Gérard de Picquigny. It was ruined in 1358 by troops of Charles the Bad, king of Navarre, rebuilt by Jacques Foulon between 1474 and 1488, and destroyed again in 1597 during the siege of Amiens, after which the canons settled inside the city walls. Around 1730 its annual income of 26,000 livres made it the richest abbey in Amiens.

The name Saint-Jean-des-Prémontrés refers to the Premonstratensian canons who lived here. In the courtyard stands a statue of Abbé Lhomond by Gédéon de Forceville. The refectory and conventual rooms now host cultural activities, and the former abbey church site became a boys' lycée in the 19th century.

The site is easily accessible on foot from Amiens city center and now functions as a cultural venue. Visitors should check ahead about current exhibitions or events since the space hosts rotating activities.

Étienne de Fay drew the plans for the monastery's reconstruction in 1712 and was the first teacher of four deaf-mute children; he also set up a cabinet of curiosities at the abbey. The statue of abbé Lhomond by Gédéon de Forceville stands in the cour d'honneur.