Fontenay Abbey

Halfway between Auxerre and Dijon, not far from Montbard in Burgundy, Fontenay Abbey is part of the exceptional French heritage whose architectural and environmental value was recognised by UNESCO and earned it World Heritage Site status in 1981.

Founded by St. Bernard of Clairvaux in 1118, Fontenay Abbey is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world. An important spiritual centre in the Middle Ages, it was inhabited by monks until they were forced to leave after the French Revolution. The abbey then became the property of Elie de Montgolfier, nephew of the inventors of the hot air balloon, who turned it into a paper mill. The place has stayed in the family, as his descendants now take care of preserving and restoring the estate.

A marvel of the Romanesque style, Fontenay Abbey is characteristic of Cistercian architecture, particularly in the harmonious simplicity of the majestic abbey church. During your visit, you can also admire the monks' dormitory, whose impressive oak roof framework dates from the 15th century, the elegant Romanesque cloister, the chapter house with its ribbed vaults and sculpted capitals, or the forge near the river, which is one of the oldest metalworking factories in Europe!

The valley in which the abbey was built is now a protected and listed area. Its magnificent landscaped park was awarded the Remarkable Garden label in 2004, in recognition of its historical, cultural and aesthetic interest. Enjoy a wander in this green and natural environment where a French formal garden, centuries-old trees and water features all add to the charm of a superb, calm and peaceful place.