Nestling at the heart of the Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park, in the municipality of Asnières-sur-Oise, the majestic royal abbey of Royaumont is the biggest Cistercian abbey in Île-de-France.
Founded in 1228 by the future St. Louis and his mother Blanche of Castile, it was occupied by a community of monks until the Revolution. After flourishing during the Middle Ages, it became a cotton mill and then a novitiate, before being bought by Jules Goüin, a major industrialist of the time, for use as his family's summer residence. His descendants then dedicated it to culture, by creating the Royaumont Foundation for Progress in the Human Sciences in 1964.
Nowadays, a tour of this charming and romantic place reveals a magnificent group of restored buildings, where technology is an integral part of the experience: interactive multimedia signs will tell you about the history of the monastery and you can use stereoscopic glasses to discover the architecture of the abbey church that once stood here. A listed Historic Monument, the abbey's estate stands in an exceptional natural area, bordered by forests and including a splendid green park designated as a Remarkable Garden. The garden of 9 squares inspired by the Middle Ages, the kitchen garden and the network of canals and lakes are among the attractions you can enjoy during a walk there.
This timeless beauty is perfectly complemented by the interiors. Admire the superb Gothic cloister and its French formal garden, the monks' splendid refectory with two naves and a carved pulpit, the old kitchens and the statue of the Virgin of Royaumont dating from the 14th century, or the latrine building, which is remarkable for having a canal running through its entire length.
The international centre of the Royaumont Foundation promotes music and dance by hosting artists in residence all year round, as well as exhibitions and conferences. The unmissable Royaumont Festival puts on concerts and shows for several weeks every year, and organises workshops and activities for all the family.
