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.
Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard, Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. The Romanesque architecture lends a remarkable homogeneity to the 12th-century buildings, which have remained intact after more than eight centuries of history. Visitors can explore the church, the cloister, the monks' dormitory, the chapter house, the scriptorium and the great forge. After visiting the monastery, garden lovers can wander freely in the two-hectare park and admire the new landscaped garden with its many varieties of plants and shrubs. Now privately owned, Fontenay Abbey was one of the first French sites to be included on UNESCO's World Heritage List, in 1981. The former monastery is located in the hollow of a listed, entirely unspoilt valley. The footpaths invite you to go for many walks in the beech and ash forest.
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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 01/04/2025 to 11/11/2025 of 10:00 to 18:00
From 12/11/2025 to 31/12/2025 of 10:00 to 12:00 - of 14:00 to 17:00
Open every day of the year:
From 12 November 2024 to 31 March 2025: from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (no booking required) or private guided tours (booking required).
From 1 April 2025 to 11 November 2025: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (without prior booking).
From 12 November 2024 to April 2026: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (without prior booking) or private guided tours (by prior booking only).
Prices :
Child rate (Free for children up to 6 years old)
Child rate (Children aged 7 to 12
Guided tour: + €1
Free guided tour booklet for 7-12 year-olds.) : 8.5€
Special rate (Guided tour: + €3
Reduced rate for students, disabled people and jobseekers.) : 9.5€
Base rate - full rate adult (Guided tour: + €3
Reduced rate for students, disabled people and jobseekers.) : 11.5€
Children's group rate (Free for children under 6.
Children aged 7 to 12.
For a guided tour, a guide's package is required:
+ more than 15 people: €135
- 15 people or more: €145) : 6.4€
Group rate (Reduced rate for students and people with disabilities: €7.
For a guided tour, a guide's pass is required:
+ more than 15 people: €135
- 15 people or more: €145) : 9.7€
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
From 12 November 2025 to April 2026, Fontenay Abbey is open to the public from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
