Abbaye de Beaumont, Benedictine nunnery in Tours, France.
Abbaye de Beaumont was a Benedictine nunnery located in Tours with a church containing a central nave, two transepts with side chapels, and a choir. The complex sat within cultivated grounds that included meadows and vineyards supporting the community's daily needs.
Founded in 1002 by Hervé de Buzançais, treasurer of Saint-Martin Basilica, this monastery operated as a religious community for nearly eight centuries. The French Revolution brought its closure in 1790, ending centuries of monastic life at the site.
The nuns who lived here came from noble families and performed religious chanting as part of their daily duties within the community. Their spiritual work made this place a center of prayer for the people of the surrounding region.
The site is now an archaeological area where visitors can see the excavated layout of the former monastery marked on the ground. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain is uneven in places and some areas may require extra care when navigating.
Excavations from 2019 to 2023 revealed more than 90 painted small figurines that were hidden while the monastery was active. These objects served religious devotional purposes and were buried beneath the church floor, suggesting they held special meaning for the community.
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