Fontfroide Abbey: a thousand-year-old architectural wonder

Belles Demeures
Partager sur
FacebookTwitterLinkedin

Fontfroide Abbey, an architectural complex that dates back to the last millennium, shares its history with its visitors in southern France.

Image
Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire
This beautifully restored architectural gem is surrounded by luxurious greenery. © Yann Monel
Sommaire

Located 15 minutes from Narbonne, this gem from the Middle Ages can be found in the foothills of the Corbières. The majestic Fontfroide Abbey, now classified as a private monument, sweeps its visitors away on a journey through time. This historical destination in Occitanie offers a charming and inspiring atmosphere crafted by its old stones, peaceful gardens, and marvellous, open-air concerts.

Moving from one millennium to another in Fontfroide

Built in 1093, the abbey combines architectural prowess with nature in a perfect blend of both plants and the mineral world. Featuring a cloister, chapels, and stained glass windows, the abbey was built over the course of two hundred years, and the builders used a mixture of both Roman and Gothic styles. Fontfroide, which was originally a Benedictine, then a Cistercian abbey, looks like a castle. Even today, architects, artisans, and stone masons work tirelessly to maintain the abbey’s remarkable condition.

<em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire
Plan on taking two hours to visit the abbey’s labyrinth of courtyards, gardens, and adjacent buildings. © Yann Monel
<em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire
Take a moment to read or meditate in the cloister. The space is calm, inspiring, and restful. © Yann Monel

A thousand and one events year round

A full calendar of events takes place throughout the year to the delight of the abbey’s guests, who can learn more about the event and the location with help from a hand-held multimedia tablet. Thanks to theatrical tours provided by actors, conferences, treasure hunts, night-time tours with special sound and lighting effects, medieval-themed events, tours of private apartments, festivals, evening concerts, egg hunts, and plant festivals, visitors are constantly invited to embark on a wonderous journey.

<em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire
The ribbed ceiling of this room demonstrates the complex architecture adopted by the abbey’s builders. © Yann Monel
<em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire
A wide range of beautiful details can be spotted on the abbey’s gates, doors, and columns. © Yann Monel

A secret and historical destination in southern France that is well worth a second look

www.fontfroide.com

Cet article vous a été utile ?
0
0

Pouvez-vous nous préciser pourquoi ? (facultatif)

Partager sur
FacebookTwitterLinkedin
Read more
Image
Ferrari F8 Spider, une sportive au caractère affirmé
Lifestyle
Once the lockdown has lifted, the Ferrari F8 Spider is ready to zoom down roads able to accommodate this no-holds-barred sports car, which can reach speeds of up to 340 km/h.