Notre-Dame de Bonport Abbey is located in the town of Pont-de-l'Arche, in Eure, 20 km south of Rouen.
It was founded in 1189 by the King of England and Duke of Normandy Richard the Lionheart (after a wish made, according to legend, after he was able to cross the river during a hunting party).
However, the location of the monastery also presents a strategic aspect, upstream of Rouen and on the banks of the Seine, in order to shelter trusted religious while the king is preparing to go on a crusade…
Ce are Cistercian monks who built the abbey throughout the 13th century. Much of the original construction has been preserved: the chapter house, the monks' room, the dormitory, the kitchens, the vaulted refectory overlooking the river.
In 1387, the cloister was rebuilt and in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, enlargement or restoration work was carried out (at the level of the cloister, again, for example).
In the meantime, if it suffered during the Hundred Years War, the abbey was chosen in 1448 by the ambassadors of France and England to negotiate peace between the two kingdoms. Prosperous and influential, the abbey began to decline from the 16th century.
During the Revolution, monastic activity was stopped and the site dismantled before being restored.
The buildings and the large wooded park dotted with viewpoints over the Seine have now regained their former glory.
The abbey, protected as historical monuments, remains private property but it is open to visitors, and hosts exhibitions, concerts, receptions (weddings, seminars). Open from April to September on Sundays and public holidays for a simple visit, and every day except Saturday in July and August. Price: 2 to 3 euros. Information on +33 2 35 02 19 42.
