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Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
Maine-et-Loire
A Renaissance-themed stopover between Anjou, Poitou and Touraine
About fifteen kilometres from Saumur, nestled amongst flower-lined streets on the borders of Anjou, Poitou and Touraine, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is a living testament to history.
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From June 6, 2026 to Oct. 4, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Exposition estivale au musée d'Art moderne de Fontevraud - Chambre noire, toile blanche
To mark the bicentenary of the birth of photography, the exhibition "Chambre noire, toile blanche. Photography and painting" looks back over two centuries of experimentation, confrontation and mutual influence.
Since its very beginnings, photography has been in dialogue with painting, drawing inspiration from it, challenging it and reinventing the way we see the world. Between cross-influences and experiments, the boundaries between these two arts have never ceased to blur. The exhibition invites you to explore this fascinating relationship through a multi-layered journey. From 19th-century photographs to contemporary creations, each stage reveals unexpected echoes, sensitive comparisons and renewed insights. Chambre noire, toile blanche also extends into the Abbey, with some monumental works taking over the space and enriching the visit. An exhibition-event to be discovered until October 4, 2026. OPENING HOURS : From 06/06 to 04/10/2026 daily from 10am to 7pm.
Next dates:
- From 06/06/2026 to 10/04/2026
Open every day
The Sept. 19, 2026 from 9 a.m.
Savonnerie Martin de Candre, artisanale et familiale depuis 1974
The Martin de Candre artisan soap factory is located in the former main farmhouse of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, in the Domaine de Mestré. Founded in 1974, this site steeped in history perpetuates the unique know-how of a soap-maker and perfumer.
From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the production workshop, experience a sensory exploration of the raw materials used in the soap-making process and fragrance creation. You’ll also be able to watch as the soap blocks are cut and stamped. The little ones can take home a bar of soap they’ve stamped themselves. Discover a collection—unique in France—of authentic posters and promotional items chronicling the history of soap from 1860 to 1960. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., pony rides will be organized by the Les Archers de la Mésangerie equestrian center. There will also be a bounce house for children ages 2 to 14. From 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., illustrator Stéphane Maignan will draw a caricature for you to take home! All day long, enjoy a market featuring local designers and artisans with about twenty vendors (textile creations, illustrations, food products, etc.). On-site dining options will be available for lunch. EVENT TIMES: Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Next dates:
- 09/19/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Pitié
The chapel was built in 1579, to thank the Virgin Mary for protecting Fontevraud Abbey from a plague epidemic.
It became the property of the municipality around 1859. It was restored and expanded in 1871–1872 at the initiative of the residents of Fontevre, in gratitude for having been sparedfrom the Prussian invasion during the War of 1870. The building features Second Renaissance-style decoration. Hosted by the Fontevraud Heritage Association. OPENING HOURS: Saturday, September 19, through Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Next dates:
- From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m.
Église Saint-Michel
The Angevin Gothic parish church, founded in the 12th century, was originally a chapel attached to the abbey.
It is surrounded by a wooden-framed gallery dating from the 18th century. Inside, there is a gilded wooden high altar that originally belonged to the abbey church, as well as a 17th-century tuffeau altarpiece. A photo exhibition on village life is on display under the awning of Saint-Michel Church. OPENING HOURS: Saturday, September 19, through Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Next dates:
- From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Abbaye royale de Fontevraud
Founded in 1101, Fontevraud Abbey is the largest monastic complex in Europe. Used as a central prison between 1814 and 1963, it has served as a Cultural and Conference Center since 1975.
Visitors are invited to discover the work of Romain Bernini, the stained-glass windows by François Rouan, and the contemporary art exhibition. Royal Abbey of Fontevraud: The final resting place of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the burial site of the Plantagenet dynasty, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud holds many mysteries. Discover its monastic and prison history, and immerse yourself in the heart of a vibrant Cultural and Community Center. Meet the student tour guides—and heritage professionals such as the Compagnons Tailleurs de Pierre de Saumur, and uncover the secrets of a thousand-year-old history and the construction techniques behind this majestic architecture. Architectural construction workshops open to the public. Screening of the 360° film “Between Heaven and Earth” in the heating room. Fontevraud, the Museum of Modern Art: Since 2021, the Museum of Modern Art in Fontevraud has housed the Martine and Léon Cligman National Collections, comprising more than 800 works. %C0 During European Heritage Days, discover the iconic works and figures of this %AB Museum of France %BB free of charge. Visitors are also invited to explore the temporary exhibition “Darkroom, Blank Canvas”: art workshops centered on a photographic technique. Ongoing art workshops based on the theme of the temporary exhibition. Short presentations by professionals in the fields of culture and heritage. DETAILED PROGRAM: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19: Quick tour of the Museum of Modern Art’s “Darkroom, White Canvas” exhibition. Photography vs. Painting (30 min): 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Quick tour of the large dormitory and the Grand Prioress’s quarters as part of the summer exhibition (30 min): 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Workshops: * Refectory & Museum: Creative workshops on photography techniques * Cour Saint-Benoît: Introductory stone-carving workshop led by the Compagnons du Devoir de Saumur * Abbey Church: Model-building workshop on medieval architecture and construction techniques Immersive film on the history of the Abbey in the chauffoir Student docents from ESTHUA will be on hand throughout the weekend to offer guided tours in various areas of the monument and accompany visitors as they explore the abbey. And how about a behind-the-scenes look at the construction and restoration projects? Featuring the Architect of Bâtiments de France and the Abbey Curator, along with demonstrations of timber framing, slate cutting, and masonry. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: Quick tour of the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibition “Darkroom, White Canvas: Photography vs. Painting” (30 min): 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Quick tour of the large dormitory and the Grand Prioress’s quarters as part of the summer exhibition (30 min): 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Workshops: * Refectory & Museum: Creative workshops on photography techniques * Abbey Church: Model-building workshop on medieval architecture and construction techniques Immersive film on the history of the Abbey in the chauffoir Student tour guides from ESTHUA will be on hand throughout the weekend to offer interpretive insights in various areas of the monument and accompany visitors as they explore the abbey. And how about a behind-the-scenes look at the construction and restoration projects? Featuring the Architect of Bâtiments de France and the Abbey Curator, along with demonstrations of timber framing, slate cutting, and masonry. SCHEDULE DETAILS: From Saturday, September 19, to Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Next dates:
- From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
Open every day
From Nov. 28, 2026 to Nov. 29, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Marché de bouche de l'Abbaye royale de Fontevraud
Take part in an exceptional event in a prestigious setting, and enjoy an unforgettable gourmet experience in the aisles of the Abbey Cloister.
An exceptional setting for a gourmet experience. L'Abbaye, firmly rooted in its local area, promotes the Saumur terroir and the richness of its local produce: Loire wines, mushrooms, fruit, vegetables and artisanal specialties. For the Christmas season, the Abbey wishes to extend this dynamic by organizing a food market, a showcase for local know-how. Are you a passionate craftsman, producer or shopkeeper? Take part in this event and showcase your products in an exceptional historical setting! The Abbey is looking for exhibitors. OPENING HOURS : Saturday November 28 to Sunday November 29, 2026 from 10am to 6pm.
Next dates:
- From 11/28/2026 to 11/29/2026
Open every day
Our recommendations
Le Domaine de Mestré
The Domaine de Mestré was once a farm belonging to Fontevraud Abbey and later a stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
La Table de Mestré
From Tuesday to Saturday, chef Jean-Baptiste Porquet welcomes you to one of the two dining rooms at the Domaine de Mestré for dinner, where you can enjoy a set menu offering a choice of four starters, main courses and desserts.
Map of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
Extend the visit to near Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
Candes-Saint-Martin
(4 km)
Montsoreau
(4 km)
Crissay-sur-Manse
(33 km)
Prepare your stay at Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
Destination Saumur Val de Loire
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Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
