Short break ideas for Fontevraud
At the crossroads of Anjou, Touraine, and Poitou, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little gem of the Loire Valley is home to treasures such as the Royal Abbey and its museum, and a little further on, the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.
Start your day with a stroll through the village's narrow streets to discover the heritage linked to centuries of monastic life.
Stop at the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié Chapel, observe the Lantern of the Dead, and step inside the Church of Saint-Michel.
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is a must-see. This is the largest monastic complex in Europe, spanning 13 hectares of stone and nature, gardens and vegetable patches.
The abbey church impresses with its monumental architecture.
It houses, among other things, the recumbent effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, and Richard the Lionheart, major figures in European medieval history.
You will also find a restaurant and two cozy bars nestled in unusual locations such as the Priory Chapel or a 16th-century vaulted room.
📍 Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, 49590 Fontevraud-l’Abbaye
⏰ In November and December, open every day except Tuesday. The rest of the year, open every day. Some Sundays during the off-season: free admission
💶 Full price: €13, free for those under 25
💻 https://www.fontevraud.fr/
The Museum of Modern Art, housed in the Abbey's former hay barn, exhibits works by Germaine Richier and Degas.
In total, more than 800 works are preserved there, including drawings, sculptures, glassware, and paintings, primarily from the second half of the 20th century.
💶 Full price: €8, free for those under 25.
The town is a certified "Accueil Vélo" (Cyclist Welcome) stop on the Loire à Vélo cycling route, which stretches for 900 kilometers.
Local trail no. 58, which connects Fontevraud to Seuilly in the land of Rabelais, is a lovely option for a morning immersed in nature.
Just a few kilometers away on foot, by bike, or by car from the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, you can enjoy a nature break in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.
You'll be charmed by the variety of landscapes: the banks of the Loire, castles, and troglodyte sites.
The Park Visitor Center in Montsoreau offers further information about the richness of this regional natural park.
Stay in a former coaching inn dating back to 1696, located opposite the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.
Pass through the archway of La Croix Blanche for a moment of relaxation.
The hotel offers 24 rooms and suites nestled within a beautiful historic residence.
Cozy in winter and radiant in summer, you'll appreciate the charm of the setting, as well as the swimming pool, garden, large flower-filled terrace, and electric bike rentals.
The restaurant offers regional cuisine, perfect for meals with friends, family, or colleagues, whether enjoyed by a crackling fireplace or on the terrace in summer.
An address that combines authenticity and comfort to make your weekend in Fontevraud an unforgettable experience.
Book your royal stay at our charming hotel in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye today!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little gem of the Loire Valley is home to treasures such as the Royal Abbey and its museum, and a little further on, the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.
Discover the village of Fontevraud, listed among the most beautiful in France
Start your day with a stroll through the village's narrow streets to discover the heritage linked to centuries of monastic life.
Stop at the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié Chapel, observe the Lantern of the Dead, and step inside the Church of Saint-Michel.
Visit the majestic Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is a must-see. This is the largest monastic complex in Europe, spanning 13 hectares of stone and nature, gardens and vegetable patches.
The abbey church impresses with its monumental architecture.
It houses, among other things, the recumbent effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, and Richard the Lionheart, major figures in European medieval history.
You will also find a restaurant and two cozy bars nestled in unusual locations such as the Priory Chapel or a 16th-century vaulted room.
Practical Information
📍 Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, 49590 Fontevraud-l’Abbaye
⏰ In November and December, open every day except Tuesday. The rest of the year, open every day. Some Sundays during the off-season: free admission
💶 Full price: €13, free for those under 25
💻 https://www.fontevraud.fr/
Discover the Fontevraud Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art, housed in the Abbey's former hay barn, exhibits works by Germaine Richier and Degas.
In total, more than 800 works are preserved there, including drawings, sculptures, glassware, and paintings, primarily from the second half of the 20th century.
💶 Full price: €8, free for those under 25.
Cycle along the Loire River
The town is a certified "Accueil Vélo" (Cyclist Welcome) stop on the Loire à Vélo cycling route, which stretches for 900 kilometers.
Local trail no. 58, which connects Fontevraud to Seuilly in the land of Rabelais, is a lovely option for a morning immersed in nature.
Explore the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park
Just a few kilometers away on foot, by bike, or by car from the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, you can enjoy a nature break in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.
You'll be charmed by the variety of landscapes: the banks of the Loire, castles, and troglodyte sites.
The Park Visitor Center in Montsoreau offers further information about the richness of this regional natural park.
Where to stay in Fontevraud?
Stay in a former coaching inn dating back to 1696, located opposite the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.
Pass through the archway of La Croix Blanche for a moment of relaxation.
The hotel offers 24 rooms and suites nestled within a beautiful historic residence.
Cozy in winter and radiant in summer, you'll appreciate the charm of the setting, as well as the swimming pool, garden, large flower-filled terrace, and electric bike rentals.
The restaurant offers regional cuisine, perfect for meals with friends, family, or colleagues, whether enjoyed by a crackling fireplace or on the terrace in summer.
An address that combines authenticity and comfort to make your weekend in Fontevraud an unforgettable experience.
Book your royal stay at our charming hotel in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye today!
