L'Épau Abbey

The old Cistercian Abbey of God's Piety in L'Épau, founded in 1229 by Berengeria of Navarre, widow of King Richard the Lionheart, has been owned by the General Council of Sarthe since 1959. A listed historic monument, the abbey is located in the commune of Yvré-l'Évêque and is home to the Sarthe Cultural Centre, which regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences and classical music concerts.

Sights to see on a visit: the abbey church and its flat chevet decorated with a rose, the beautiful chapterhouse and the recumbent statue of Queen Berengeria of Navarre, the dormitory and its wooden vault, the scriptorium, sacristy, cloister garden, and pleasant park which is ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Classical music lovers should not miss the L'Épau Festival in May, with a programme of chamber music, symphonic music, recitals...