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Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

4.2

#1 of 7 in Things to do in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

Architectural Building · Religious Site

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Founded in 1101, Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale remains the largest surviving monastic complex from the Middle Ages. The reclining effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and Richard the Lionheart offer a reminder of its close links with the Plantagenet kings. Converted into a prison between 1804 an 1963, it was then designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Loire Valley. Please see http://www.fontevraud.fr/ for more information. Put Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale into our Fontevraud-l'Abbaye trip itinerary planner to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye.

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Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,141 reviews

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4.5

By Jimlockard

Amazing complex sprawling across acres of land. The church is restored, huge yet simple in design and was originally the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine..... more

Amazing complex sprawling across acres of land. The church is restored, huge yet simple in design and was originally the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine..... more »
By Alison52

Had long wanted to visit the abbey, not least because of its connection with the Plantagenets but whilst not disappointed, found it very different from my imaginings. It has a strangely soulless...

Had long wanted to visit the abbey, not least because of its connection with the Plantagenets but whilst not disappointed, found it very different from my imaginings. It has a strangely soulless... more »
By Wilf S

Great value for money, kids were free and we spent a couple of hours in there. All the things were in English too so easy to follow everything being explained.

Great value for money, kids were free and we spent a couple of hours in there. All the things were in English too so easy to follow everything being explained. more »

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By Alison Barnes

Beautiful Gothic Abbey with a pretty good Modern art museum also. There was a Monet exhibition when I visited with friends; this was exceptional!! Lovely grounds, Abbey is well maintained and preserved. Some interpretation is in English, but this is inconsistent throughout. The history about the abbey being a prison etc was interesting too! Cafe in the grounds is good value, and there is good ice cream shop just outside the gates. Recommend a visit if you’re in the area.

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By steve dixon

Wonderful place with a soothing atmosphere, felt very relaxed. It's been renovated to a good standard like it was in the past, did not know it was a former prison as well from Abbey to prison for over a hundred years back to a great place to visit

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By Kristen Murphy

Incredible historic site alongside a hotel and a Michelin starred restaurant situated in one of the smaller priories. If you're a hotel guest, you're able to amble along the property and visit the historic sites.

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By Sandra Doussin

Went with my mom and decided to purchases tickets for the abbaye & the art museum: 15 euros each. We spend an amazing afternoon!! We were there for about 4.5 hours. The museum is very well appointed. The abbye and its grounds are beautiful!!! The history is very well explained. All is well kept and maintained. The prison part was very interesting. Absolutely recommend!!

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By Louise Bankhead

Gorgeous place, very interesting historically. The shop has a book section that should be much more improved

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