Abbaye Saint-Nicolas, Benedictine abbey in Verneuil-sur-Avre, France.
This Benedictine monastery has a rectangular layout attached to a church, surrounded by medieval ditches and defensive walls from the 12th century. The compound consists of connected buildings arranged around a central space that form a unified complex.
The monastery was founded in 1627 by Charlotte de Hautemer and received royal recognition in 1631 through letters from King Louis XIII. Its establishment took place during a period when such religious communities held significant positions in French society.
The community here created artwork that reflected their surroundings, with paintings showing the landscape of the region visible in the interior rooms. These pieces reveal how residents engaged with art as part of daily life.
The grounds can be accessed through a grassy area that was once an orchard, providing an open and natural approach to the site. Guided tours are available throughout the year to help visitors navigate the different sections of the compound.
From 1947 to 2001, the community operated a bakery that produced traditional French nonnette biscuits. This specialized production made the monastery known well beyond the local area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
