Bassac Abbey
Abbaye Saint-Étienne de Bassac
A Benedictine abbey on the banks of the Charente, its Romanesque bell tower and 17th-century monastic buildings tucked away among the vineyards
Bassac Abbey was founded in the 11th century. Its church boasts a soaring four-storey Romanesque bell tower and exquisite 17th-century carved wooden choir stalls, and the monastic buildings are still used by monks today. The church is free to visit, and the abbey section offers guided tours in summer. Located in a riverside village about 5 km east of Jarnac, it makes an easy stop after touring the cognac houses, with vineyard scenery along the way.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Courvoisier, Jarnac
- Camus Cognac House
- Old Cognac & Saint-Léger Church
- Martell Cognac House
- Château de Cognac (Baron Otard)
- Gabare Cruise on the Charente
- Musée des Arts du Cognac
- Hennessy Cognac House