On the Cistercian track: Fontfroide Abbey
© Fontfroide/Henri Gaud
Immerse yourself for a day in the silent universe of the Cistercian Monks, who had only the cicadas’ song to distract them from contemplation.
Standing in front of its high walls, it’s hard to imagine just how vast the Abbey is. Once you have passed the gate, the splendour of the ochre sandstone building will be revealed. It is one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys of France, founded in 1093 and saved from ruin in 1908 by art patrons Gustave and Madeleine Fayet. While discovering the dormitory and refectory, you will plunge into history and learn about the particularities of the Cistercian Order. You will find out, for instance, that the professed monks never met the conversi, or lay brothers, who were manual workers. They all lived in the Abbey, but in separate quarters. On a sunny day, end your visit on a colourful note: the garden with its rose bushes, which brighten the cloister. The Abbey and its 24 granaries was one of the richest abbeys of the Order. It is located at the heart of the protected massif of La Clape, surrounded by pine, cypress and boxwood trees.
Cistercian hospitality
Take a seat at the Table de Fontfroide, a restaurant located in a renovated sheep-fold, and enjoy a meal that is far from monastic! Try one of the chef’s specials, mackerel pie served with crushed tomatoes, caramelised onions and basil. For dessert: spiced apples stewed in the abbey wine. Frugality is definitely not on the menu here!
Climb higher
For a digestive stroll, there is nothing like a climb up to the Cross, at the top of the hill, where you will have a breathtaking view over the Abbey and its gardens.
Taste the divine nectar
Back in Abbey, enjoy a wine tasting session in the cellars. Follow the advice of the sommelier and fall under the spell of the white and red wines, Muscat or Merlot.
Gregorian chant
If you are in Fontfroide for Easter (Sunday, March 23rd), listen to the Gregorian Choir of Paris singing Christus Factus Est. Just close your eyes to be transported back into the Middle Ages. In August (from 1st to 5th), the walls of the Abbey will resound to the Music and History Festival, featuring Jordi Savall and Montserrat Figueras.
Other suggestions
The Cistercian granary of Fontcalvy at Ouveillan: A real “strong-box” built between 1275 and 1325, illuminated on summer nights on the occasion of the Fontcalvy festival (historical play).
The Gaussan monastery at Bizanet. The Gaussan monastery used to be one of the granaries belonging to Fontfroide Abbey, and can be visited during Mass hours. You can also buy goats’ cheese and other monastic produce.Mass times: every day, low Mass at 7 a.m., sung Mass at 10 a.m. (preceded by the Terce), Vespers: 5 p.m. (summer time), 5.30 p.m. the rest of the year, and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Contact us
Une journée à Fontfroide, sur les traces des cisterciens
Abbaye de Fontfroide RD 613
11100 Narbonne
See the access map
La Maison du Pont
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Domaine de Saint Jean
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AUBERGE DU VIEUX PUITS
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Le Relais du Val d'Orbieu
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La Table de Fontfroide
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Abbaye de Fontfroide
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Topic : Art and cultural heritage
Published on : 2008/05/14
Tags : on the cistercian track fontfroide abbey
