Ruined tower of abbey of Longchamp, Medieval tower ruins in Bois de Boulogne, France
The Ruined tower of abbey of Longchamp is a remnant of a convent that once stood in what is now Bois de Boulogne. The structure still shows the form of a medieval tower set among the trees and open spaces of the park.
The abbey was founded in 1255 by Saint Isabelle of France and served as a religious center for over 500 years. Its destruction came during the French Revolution when nuns were expelled in 1790 and the grounds gradually fell into decay.
The tower shows how religious communities lived near Paris in medieval times and how noble families built their own abbeys. These places were centers for learning and prayer that drew people seeking peace away from the city.
The tower sits in the western section of Bois de Boulogne and is reachable via the park's walking paths. The site is open during daylight hours and free to visit, though sturdy shoes are recommended as the ground can be uneven.
The site held a close connection to French royalty, as several family members died there and were buried within the abbey. This royal link made it one of the most notable religious centers of its era.
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