Abbaye Sainte-Marguerite de Bouilland, Medieval abbey in Bouilland, France
Abbaye Sainte-Marguerite de Bouilland is a stone monastery set within Burgundy forests, displaying construction elements that span multiple centuries of building work. The structures that make up the site show how architectural styles and construction methods evolved over time through successive additions and modifications.
Founded around 1100 by the Lords of Vergy, the abbey housed about 60 canons of the Hospital Order of Saint Anthony who worked against plague epidemics. Following the French Revolution, the site was sold into private ownership where it has remained since.
The abbey church takes design inspiration from the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Beaune and reflects how regional Burgundy building styles were adapted for monastic worship.
The site requires advance arrangements to visit since it remains under private ownership following its sale during the French Revolution. Plan ahead and contact ahead of time to arrange access to the grounds.
The site won first prize in the 1976 television competition 'Chefs-d'œuvre en péril' for its restoration and preservation work. This award recognized the efforts to save the historical complex and brought national attention to its recovery.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
