Abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire (Fleury Abbey)
Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire
A Romanesque abbey housing the relics of Saint Benedict, whose sculpted capitals on the western porch tower are masterpieces of French Romanesque art, and where monks still live and pray.
The abbey of Fleury received the relics of Saint Benedict in the 7th century and became one of the most important centers of learning in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. The surviving abbey church dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. Dozens of exquisitely carved capitals line the western porch tower, the choir floor features Roman-era marble inlay, and the crypt holds the relics of Saint Benedict. Benedictine monks still live here, and daily Mass and Vespers are sung in Gregorian chant. Admission is free. The abbey is about 5 km from Germigny-des-Prés.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:30–22:00 (please keep quiet during services)
Nearby sights
- Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés
- Château de Sully-sur-Loire
- Château & Park of Châteauneuf-sur-Loire
- Château de Chamerolles
- Château de Gien
- Parc Floral de la Source
- Château de La Ferté-Saint-Aubin
- Collégiale Saint-Aignan