Fontevraud Abbey
Abbaye royale de Fontevraud
One of Europe's largest medieval monastic complexes, home to the tombs of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Richard the Lionheart.
Fontevraud Abbey was founded in 1101 and was once one of Europe's largest monasteries. It was unusual in being a double monastery for both men and women, governed by an abbess. Inside the abbey church lie the painted recumbent effigies of Henry II of England, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Richard the Lionheart, the family burial ground of the Plantagenet dynasty. The octagonal Romanesque kitchen has a distinctive design. From the 19th century until 1963 the abbey was used as a prison; today it houses a museum of contemporary art and a hotel restaurant. Admission is about €14. The abbey is about 15 km from Saumur.
Opening hours
About 09:30–18:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Château de Montsoreau
- Candes-Saint-Martin
- Turquant Troglodyte Village
- Château de Brézé
- Musée des Blindés (Tank Museum)
- Château de Saumur
- Notre-Dame de Nantilly
- Saumur Old Town & Place Saint-Pierre