Autumn colours give the Abbey a special atmosphere
Whatever the weather, Fontenay Abbey makes a lasting impression. In autumn, when the leaves of the trees in the garden and the valley turn yellow and orange, it is a magical sight and well worth a visit! This is a particularly good time to visit the abbey.
Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard, Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. The Romanesque architecture lends a remarkable homogeneity to the 12th-century buildings, which have remained intact after more than eight centuries of history. Visitors can explore the church, the cloister, the monks' dormitory, the chapter house, the scriptorium and the great forge. After visiting the monastery, garden lovers can wander freely in the two-hectare park and admire the new landscaped garden with its many varieties of plants and shrubs. Now privately owned, Fontenay Abbey was one of the first French sites to be included on UNESCO's World Heritage List, in 1981. The former monastery is located in the hollow of a listed, entirely unspoilt valley. The footpaths invite you to go for many walks in the beech and ash forest.
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Pets welcome
Amenities
Picnic area
Bar
Parking
Toilettes
Services
Shop
Activity
Specific theme activities
Conferences
Son et lumière
Prices & SchedulesOpening :
From 12/11/2025 to 02/04/2026 of 10:00 to 12:00 - of 14:00 to 17:00
From 03/04/2026 to 01/11/2026 of 10:00 to 18:00
Open every day of the year:
From 12 November 2025 to 2 April 2026: from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (no booking required) or for private guided tours (booking required).
From 3 April 2026 to 1 November 2026: 10am to 6pm for self-guided tours and regular guided tours (without prior booking).
From 2 November 2026 to April 2027: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm for self-guided tours (without prior booking) or private guided tours (by prior booking only).
Prices :
Base rate - full rate adult : Tarif unique de 11.5€ (Guided tour: + € 3)
Special rate : Tarif unique de 9.5€ (Reduced rate for students, disabled people and jobseekers.
Guided tour: + €3)
Child rate : Tarif unique de 8.5€ (Free for children under 6.
Children aged 7 to 12
Guided tour: + €1
Free guided tour booklet for 7-12 year-olds.)
Group rate : Tarif unique de 9.7€ (Group rate for 15 people or more.
For a guided tour, please allow for a fixed guide fee:
2 to 4 people: €160
5 to 14 people: €145
+ More than 15 people: €135)
Special rate : Tarif unique de 7€ (Reduced rate for students and people with disabilities: €7.
For a guided tour, a guide package is required:
2 to 4 people: €160
5 to 14 people: €145
+ More than 15 people: €135)
Children's group rate : Tarif unique de 6.4€ (Free for children under 6.
Children aged 7 to 12.
For a guided tour, a guide package is required:
2 to 4 people: €160
5 to 14 people: €145
+ More than 15 people: €135)
Special opening conditions :
Visits do not require prior booking.
From 12 November 2025 to 2 April 2026, Fontenay Abbey can be visited freely from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
From 3 April 2026 to 1 November 2026, open from 10am to 6pm and regular guided tours without prior booking at the following times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm and 4pm.
To be confirmed on our website www.abbayedefontenay.com
From 2 November 2026 to April 2027, Fontenay Abbey is open to the public from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Private guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
