Autumn colours give the Abbey a special atmosphere
Whatever the weather, Fontenay Abbey makes a lasting impression. In autumn, when the leaves of the trees in the garden and the valley turn yellow and orange, it is a magical sight and well worth a visit! This is a particularly good time to visit the abbey.
The Abbey of Fontenay was founded by Saint Bernard in 1118. It is one of the oldest Cistercian abbeys in Europe. The Romanesque architecture offers a remarkable unity to all buildings remained intact since the Middle Ages. The Abbey was transformed into a paper mill after the French Revolution by the family Montgolfier and was bought back in 1906 by Edouard Aynard, the ancestor of the present owners who continue on safeguarding this masterpiece of Romanesque art. The old Abbey of Fontenay (12th century) was one of the first monuments to be inscribed on the Unesco world heritage list. This classification has distinguished the exceptional value of Fontenay and its environment.
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Pets welcome
Amenities
Picnic area
Bar
Parking
Toilettes
Services
Shop
Activity
Specific theme activities
Conferences
Son et lumière
Prices & SchedulesOpening :
From 12/11/2024 to 31/03/2025 of 10:00 to 12:00 - of 14:00 to 17:00
From 01/04/2025 to 11/11/2025 of 10:00 to 18:00
Open every day of the year
From 30 March 2024 to 11 November 2024: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (no need to book).
From 12 November 2024 to 31 March 2025: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (without prior booking) or private guided tours (by prior booking only).
From 1 April 2025 to 11 November 2025: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (without prior booking).
Prices :
Child rate (Guided tour: + €1
Free guided tour booklet for 7-12 year-olds.)
Group rate (Adult guided tour :
Guide pass required:
+ more than 15 people: €135
- 15 people or more: €145)
Base rate - full rate adult (Guided tour: + € 3)
Child rate (Free for children up to 6 years old)
Children's group rate (Children on guided tour :
Guide pass required:
+ more than 15 people: €125
- 15 people or more: €135)
Group rate (Reduced rate (students + PRM)
Guide pass required:
+ more than 15 people: €125
- 15 people or more: €135)
Special opening conditions :
Visits do not require prior booking.
From 12 November 2024 to 31 March 2025, Fontenay Abbey can be visited freely from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
From 1 April 2025 to 11 November 2025, open from 10am to 6pm and regular guided tours without prior booking at the following times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm, 4pm and 5pm.
To be confirmed on our website www.abbayedefontenay.com
