fontdouce abbey

Fontdouce Abbey

Located in the charming village of Saint-Bris-des-Bois, close to Saintes at Charente-Maritime, Fontdouce Abbey is an architectural and spiritual jewel that invites contemplation and serenity.

Abbaye de Fontdouce - Complete guide to this haven of peace

A Journey into Cistercian History

Founded in 1111 by Cistercian monks, this abbey has had a rich and eventful history, marked by periods of prosperity and hardship.

Throughout its nine centuries of existence, Fontdouce Abbey has played an important role in the economic and religious life of the region. The Cistercian monks, renowned for their agricultural expertise and their involvement in the community, contributed to the development of agriculture and the growth of the village of Saint-Bris-des-Bois.

The abbey was also an important intellectual center, where scholars and philosophers gathered to share their knowledge and debate the ideas of their time. The abbey’s library, which housed many valuable manuscripts, was one of the largest in France.

A remarkable architectural heritage

Fontdouce Abbey is an exceptional example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The abbey church, with its broken barrel vaults and finely carved capitals, is a masterpiece of Romanesque art. The cloister, with its elegant arcades and peaceful garden, invites visitors to stroll and meditate.

In addition to the abbey church and the cloister, the abbey is home to many other buildings of interest, such as the abbot’s quarters, the chapter house, the refectory, and the monks’ dormitories. These buildings, which have been carefully restored, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Cistercian monks and the rigorous organization of their community.

A place for life and culture

Today, Fontdouce Abbey is a vibrant cultural center open to the public. The abbey offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore its history, architecture, and artistic treasures. Temporary exhibitions, concerts, and lectures are also held throughout the year.

The abbey also features a gourmet restaurant that serves refined cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. An adventure park, located in the surrounding woods, offers families and thrill-seekers a chance to relax and get their adrenaline pumping.

Activities for Everyone at Fontdouce Abbey

For families

  • Treasure hunt

Younger visitors can set out to discover the abbey’s secrets through special treasure hunts designed for them.

  • Fun guided tours

Interactive storytelling tours will allow children to immerse themselves in the abbey’s history.

  • Creative workshops

Sculptures, drawings, children can give free rein to their imagination.

For groups

  • Seminars and business events

The abbey offers its facilities for seminars, team-building activities, and corporate events.

  • Thematic guided tours

Customized tours can be arranged for groups, focusing on specific themes (art history, architecture, etc.).

For nature lovers

  • Garden walks

The abbey gardens are a peaceful haven where you can recharge and enjoy nature.

  • Outdoor activities

The nearby adventure park offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities.

Fontdouce Adventure Park

fontdouce abbey adventure park
fontdouce abbey - adventure park

Right next to the abbey, you’ll find the Fontdouce Adventure Park. This park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities: tree-top adventure courses, laser tag, archery games, water fights… It’s the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends.

The park offers a multitude of courses suitable for all ages and levels:

  • Children's trail: Specially designed for younger children, these courses allow kids to explore tree-top adventures in complete safety. They are generally lower to the ground, and the activities are adapted to their size.
  • Beginners' course: Ideal for getting started with tree-climbing, these courses offer simple, step-by-step workshops.
  • Intermediate courses: For the more experienced, these courses offer an extra challenge with more technical and higher workshops.
  • Expert courses: Reserved for sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers, these courses are the most difficult and the highest.

Complementary activities

In addition to the tree-top adventure courses, the park offers other activities to keep things interesting:

  • Giant zip lines: Glide at top speed over the forest on zip lines dozens of metres long.
  • Laser game: Challenge your friends to a game of laser tag in the forest.
  • Archery game: Test your accuracy with a bow and arrow.
  • Water fight: Have fun with giant water pistols.

For more information:

  • Official website of the adventure park: https://www.parc-aventure-fontdouce.com/

Abbaye de Fontdouce - Practical information

Address: Abbaye Notre-Dame de Fontdouce, 17800 Saint-Bris-des-Bois, France

Phone : +33 5 46 74 77 08

Website : https://www.fontdouce.com/

Opening hours 

  • April 9 to June 30 and September 1 to November 6

    • Weekdays (excluding school vacations and public holidays): 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm
    • Weekends, public holidays and school vacations: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • July and August

    • Daily from 10am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm

  • Closed on August 15th

Rates 

  • Self-guided tour of the abbey: €8 (full price), €6 (reduced price)

  • Guided tour of the abbey: €12 (full price), €10 (reduced price)

  • Discovery Pass (self-guided tour of the abbey + adventure park): €18 (full price), €14 (reduced price)

Abbaye de Fontdouce - FAQ

How do I get to Fontdouce Abbey?

Fontdouce Abbey is located about 20 km from Saintes and 60 km from La Rochelle. It can be reached by car, bus, or train.

  • By car : From Saintes, take the D105 toward Saint-Jean-d’Angély. The abbey is located about 10 km from Saint-Jean-d’Angély.

What is Fontdouce Abbey?

Fontdouce Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery that has now been converted into a visitor center and event venue. It offers an exceptional setting for exploring Romanesque and Gothic history and architecture.

Where is Fontdouce Abbey located?

The abbey is located in Saint-Bris-des-Bois, in Charente-Maritime, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

How much does the tour cost?

Admission prices vary depending on age and any package deals, ranging from 6 euros to 18 euros (tour + adventure park, for example). Prices are available on the website.

Tours and activities

What activities are on offer?

The abbey offers a wide range of activities: guided tours, treasure hunts for children, creative workshops, walks through the gardens, and much more. The nearby adventure park also offers a variety of sports activities.

Can we visit the abbey outside of regular visiting hours?

Private tours can be arranged outside of regular opening hours, subject to availability.

Are there guided tours in foreign languages?

It is best to contact the abbey directly to find out which languages are offered.

Can we host an event at the abbey?

Yes, the abbey can be reserved for weddings, seminars, or other events.

Adventure Park

What are the age requirements for the adventure park?

Age requirements vary by course. We recommend visiting the adventure park’s website for more information.

Do I need to make a reservation for the adventure park?

Reservations are recommended, especially in high season.

What equipment should I bring?

Please wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes. Specific equipment is provided on site.

Practical information

Where can we eat?

There is a picnic area near the abbey. You can also eat at the nearby restaurants.

Is there accommodation nearby?

Yes, there are many lodging options available near the abbey: hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and campgrounds.