The Saint-Jean des Vignes Abbey Museum is located at Soissons, in the Aisne department.
Located on the Saint-Jean hill, to the south-west of the town, the abbey was founded in 1076 by Lord Hugues Blanc. Observing the rule of Saint Augustine, it initially included buildings in the Romanesque style, then a vast construction site was initiated in the 13th century which transformed the abbey into a set of Gothic styles. Work will continue until the beginning of the 17th century.
The Hundred Years War and then the Wars of Religion did not spare the abbey, although it was fortified and surrounded by ditches, but at its height it nevertheless proved to be one of the most powerful in the region, with 150 monks and operating about thirty farms. The monastery also became a large landowner on which forty parishes depended.
First protected at the beginning of the Revolution, the abbey was however partly dismantled at the beginning of the 19th century. Most of the church is transformed into a stone quarry. Nowadays, however, the cellar, the refectory, the cloister and the outbuildings remain, as well as the facade of the abbey church famous for its spiers over 75 meters high. All these remains are protected as historical monuments.
An architecture and heritage interpretation center (CIAP) has been set up on the site. Via a model and an interactive system, the evolution of the abbey and its various components is explained. This discovery is punctuated with anecdotes on religious and military history. For young people, fun but educational activities (with puzzles) are available.
Connected headsets are also available for a virtual tour of the daily life of the abbey in the 17th century.
In addition, there is the Center for the Study of Mural Paintings, a one-of-a-kind laboratory which is open to visitors during Heritage Days or specific events.
Finally, the former arsenal built in the 19th century when the abbey was occupied by the army now houses contemporary art exhibitions and workshops where 21st century creators and their works are showcased in this unique heritage setting.
Open daily. Price: from 1 to 5 euros. Information on +33 3 23 93 30 56 (CIAP) or +33 3 23 53 42 40 (Arsenal).
