Fontevraud -
Fontevraud is one of the 14 candidates to become 'The preferred Village of the French' in 2025!
We are so proud to have been shortlisted for this most famous television programme.
The village is getting ready for the France tv cameras! In July the French can vote for their favorite town - our vote has been cast!
Now we are just keeping our fingers crossed...
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Fontevraud l'Abbaye was awarded two prestigious distinctions in 2024: "Petite Cité de Caractère" (Small Town of Character) and "Plus Beau Village de France" (Most Beautiful Village in France). These recognitions crown centuries of preserved history and heritage, making our village an essential destination for lovers of art, history, and gastronomy.
The "Petite Cité de Caractère" label highlights Fontevraud l'Abbaye's commitment to preserving and enhancing its rich architectural heritage. This designation is awarded to small towns that demonstrate a dedication to maintaining their historical character while providing modern amenities. From cobblestone streets to carefully restored facades, every corner tells a story, inviting visitors on a genuine journey through time.
The title of "Plus Beau Village de France" rewards the exceptional harmony between historical buildings and the preserved natural environment. This prestigious classification is given to villages that showcase outstanding architectural, cultural, and natural heritage while maintaining a population under 2,000. It offers visitors a blend of tranquility, rest, and discovery, marrying the village's picturesque charm with its historical grandeur.
At the heart of this heritage gem, our hotel-restaurant named La Croix Blanche, welcomes you in a setting of verdant nature and history. Housed in a meticulously restored 15th-century post house, the establishment combines modern comfort with authentic surroundings. Each carefully decorated room offers a beautiful view of the slate roofs or our flowered inner courtyard.
Our restaurant offers refined cuisine showcasing local products. Inspired by the region's gastronomy, the chef elevates local flavors to delight all palates. The wine list, featuring Loire Valley vineyards, harmoniously complements our menu.
Just a few steps from the hotel, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, a jewel of medieval architecture, opens its doors. This exceptional site, where the Plantagenets rest, will immerse you in over 900 years of history. The contemporary art exhibitions regularly organized here create a fascinating dialogue between past and present.
For nature lovers, hiking trails and cycle paths winding through vineyards and surrounding forests offer countless possibilities for exploration. The nearby Loire riverbanks invite adventure and relaxation.
By choosing our establishment, you're not just staying in a hotel: you're immersing yourself in the very soul of one of France's most beautiful villages. Whether for a romantic weekend, a cultural stay, or a gastronomic getaway, Fontevraud l'Abbaye and our hotel-restaurant promise unforgettable moments rich in discoveries and emotions.
Come and experience the unique atmosphere of a doubly awarded village, where every stone, every street, and every moment tells a thousand-year-old story. Our team is pleased to welcome you and make your stay an exceptional moment, worthy of Fontevraud l'Abbaye's prestige.
We are so proud to have been shortlisted for this most famous television programme.
The village is getting ready for the France tv cameras! In July the French can vote for their favorite town - our vote has been cast!
Now we are just keeping our fingers crossed...
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Fontevraud l'Abbaye was awarded two prestigious distinctions in 2024: "Petite Cité de Caractère" (Small Town of Character) and "Plus Beau Village de France" (Most Beautiful Village in France). These recognitions crown centuries of preserved history and heritage, making our village an essential destination for lovers of art, history, and gastronomy.
The "Petite Cité de Caractère" label highlights Fontevraud l'Abbaye's commitment to preserving and enhancing its rich architectural heritage. This designation is awarded to small towns that demonstrate a dedication to maintaining their historical character while providing modern amenities. From cobblestone streets to carefully restored facades, every corner tells a story, inviting visitors on a genuine journey through time.
The title of "Plus Beau Village de France" rewards the exceptional harmony between historical buildings and the preserved natural environment. This prestigious classification is given to villages that showcase outstanding architectural, cultural, and natural heritage while maintaining a population under 2,000. It offers visitors a blend of tranquility, rest, and discovery, marrying the village's picturesque charm with its historical grandeur.
At the heart of this heritage gem, our hotel-restaurant named La Croix Blanche, welcomes you in a setting of verdant nature and history. Housed in a meticulously restored 15th-century post house, the establishment combines modern comfort with authentic surroundings. Each carefully decorated room offers a beautiful view of the slate roofs or our flowered inner courtyard.
Our restaurant offers refined cuisine showcasing local products. Inspired by the region's gastronomy, the chef elevates local flavors to delight all palates. The wine list, featuring Loire Valley vineyards, harmoniously complements our menu.
Just a few steps from the hotel, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, a jewel of medieval architecture, opens its doors. This exceptional site, where the Plantagenets rest, will immerse you in over 900 years of history. The contemporary art exhibitions regularly organized here create a fascinating dialogue between past and present.
For nature lovers, hiking trails and cycle paths winding through vineyards and surrounding forests offer countless possibilities for exploration. The nearby Loire riverbanks invite adventure and relaxation.
By choosing our establishment, you're not just staying in a hotel: you're immersing yourself in the very soul of one of France's most beautiful villages. Whether for a romantic weekend, a cultural stay, or a gastronomic getaway, Fontevraud l'Abbaye and our hotel-restaurant promise unforgettable moments rich in discoveries and emotions.
Come and experience the unique atmosphere of a doubly awarded village, where every stone, every street, and every moment tells a thousand-year-old story. Our team is pleased to welcome you and make your stay an exceptional moment, worthy of Fontevraud l'Abbaye's prestige.
