Abbaye de Fontevraud Leonard de Serres recumbent figures — ©Fontevraud Abbey (Maine-et-Loire)|Leonard de Serres

Royal Abbey of Fontevraud a medieval jewel at the gateway to Touraine

At the gateway to Touraine, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud unveils its majestic silhouette, Europe’s largest preserved monastic city. In this legendary place lie Aliénor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart, witnesses to a thousand-year-old history that continues to fascinate. From the royal recumbent figures to the new Museum of Modern Art and the majestic cloister, explore this architectural gem during your stay in Touraine.

Between Touraine and Anjou : where is the abbey located?

From Tours, reach this architectural marvel nestled at the crossroads of three historic provinces in less than an hour. Just 55 minutes from Tours city centre, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud awaits you! An unmissable diversions during your stay in Touraine!

Founded by Robert d’Arbrissel in 1101, this 13-hectare monastic city shines on the edge of Maine-et-Loire. Its strategic location, between Touraine, Anjou and Poitou, made it a prized place of power for the Plantagenets. Plan your visit from your base in Touraine: the picturesque roads leading there are an enchanting prelude to your discovery.

L'Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud sous un angle inédit

The royal recumbents a fascinating story

Admire the famous giants of the abbey church, silent witnesses to the power of the Plantagenets. In the majestic nave, polychrome statues of Aliénor of Aquitaine, Henri II, Richard the Lionheart and Isabelle of Angoulême transport you back to the 12th century.

With a prayer book in her hands, the great Aliénor d’Aquitaine rests beside her husband and favourite son. Make the most of a morning to discover these masterpieces of medieval funerary art, true treasures of the World Heritage.

Sculpted from local tufa stone, these royal giants still retain their sumptuous original colours. A rarity that makes this visit a unique moment in your exploration of the Loire Valley.

Around the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

Abbaye de Fontevraud cloitre Leonard de serres (Maine-et-Loire) — ©Fontevraud Abbey (Maine-et-Loire)|Leonard de Serres

From cloister to museum art in majesty

Plunge between medieval heritage and contemporary creation. The musée d’Art moderne unveils more than 800 exceptional works, from canvases by Toulouse-Lautrec to sculptures by Germaine Richier, in the restored former Fannerie.

The majestic cloister offers a serene interlude to your day of exploration. Let yourself be surprised by the temporary exhibitions that regularly enliven these thousand-year-old spaces. A fascinating cultural stopover just a few kilometres from Touraine.

In a nutshell about the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

Royal recumbent statues unique in the world

Preserved polychrome statues of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart.

Europe's largest preserved abbey

A 13-hectare monastic town between Touraine and Anjou.

Ancient and modern art together

800 works of contemporary art interact with the medieval heritage.

A visit to the heart of Maine-et-Loire

Schedule your morning to discover the wonders of the abbey. The themed tour takes you to meet thenuns who have shaped the history of this double monastery. The great monastic ensembles are revealed as you travel, from the prieuré de la Madeleine to the medieval gardens.

The abbey’s gastronomic restaurant welcomes you for a refined lunch break before getting back on the road. For a unique experience, book one of the exciting themed tours that enliven the site throughout the year.