Fontenay Abbey - Montbard

The Fontenay Abbey was founded in 1118 by Bernard of Clairvaux as a Cistercian monastery, a reformed branch of the Benedictine Order. In keeping with Cistercian tradition, the monastery was built in a remote area along a stream, about 60 km from Dijon. The abbey was established as a daughter monastery of the mother abbey at Clairvaux.

It quickly developed into a spiritual center of the region, and by the 13th century, several hundred monks were already living on the grounds. The monks were known above all for the production of valuable manuscripts and their achievements in the fields of medicine and healing.

Simplicity Throughout the Entire Site

What is truly remarkable about this abbey is the simplicity of the entire site. According to the rules of the Cistercian Order, towers, stained-glass windows, and other decorations were prohibited. These were not to distract the monks from their duties. These rules were also enforced in the abbey church, which contains neither seating nor any other furnishings.

In 1791, as a result of the French Revolution, all the monks left, and the abbey was converted into a paper mill and fell into rapid disrepair. It was not until 1906 that the monastery was purchased by two wealthy brothers from the Aynard family and has been undergoing restoration ever since.

Tour

The monastery remains largely intact in its original form and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. The abbey complex consists of the basilica, the monastery, the abbot’s palace—which is currently inhabited by the Aynard family—and the outbuildings. A guided tour lasts one hour and is very informative. 

By car:

The abbey is located near Montbard, a town about 60 km northwest of Dijon in Burgundy. Today, the abbey can be reached via the D32 highway, which runs from Marmagne to Touillon.

By public transportation:

You can also reach the abbey by taking the train to Montbard and then taking a taxi the last 6 km to Fontenay.