Abbey of Fontenay
Abbaye de Fontenay
A Cistercian abbey founded by Saint Bernard in 1118. It is the best-preserved group of early Cistercian buildings and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
The abbey lies hidden in a wooded valley near Montbard. Its church, cloister, monks' dormitory, scriptorium and iron forge are all fully preserved, reflecting the Cistercian architectural ideals of simplicity, careful proportion and the use of light. The 12th-century iron forge used water power to drive its hammers and is considered one of Europe's earliest metallurgical factories. After the Revolution the site served as a paper mill. In the early 20th century a banking family restored it, and it remains privately owned. Admission is about 13 euros, and the gardens are beautiful in every season. The abbey is about 60 km from Dijon, roughly an hour's drive, and can be combined with Alésia and Flavigny in one day.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (extended to 18:00 Apr–Nov)
Nearby sights
- MuséoParc Alésia
- Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
- Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
- Lac Kir
- Well of Moses (Chartreuse de Champmol)
- Gevrey-Chambertin
- Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin
- Dijon Cathedral (Saint-Bénigne)