In the heart of the Anjou vineyards, just a few kilometres from the Isle Verte campsite and the village of Montsoreau, awaits the Abbey of Fontevraud, a veritable jewel of French heritage, combining a rich history with impressive architecture. This monastic complex, founded in the early 12th century, has survived the passage of time, transforming itself in line with political and social upheavals. Today, the abbey stands out as a place of living memory and a dynamic cultural centre, attracting visitors from all over the world. Be sure to visit it during your camping holiday in the Loire Valley.
History and heritage of Fontevraud Abbey
Founded in 1101 by Robert d’Arbrissel, Fontevraud Abbey was originally a mixed religious community run by abbesses over the centuries. The abbey quickly became a major spiritual and intellectual centre in the Middle Ages. Such was its importance that several members of England’s royal family, including Henry II Plantagenet, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart, were buried there. You can still admire their graves. The Romanesque abbey boasts remarkable architecture, with its abbey church, cloisters and various monastic buildings. The whole complex, built of tufa stone, is as white as the buildings of the Anjou region. For children, there are fun and interactive tours with tablets.
From Monastery to Prison: A Radical Transformation
After the French Revolution, Fontevraud Abbey underwent a radical transformation, being converted into a prison by Napoleon in 1804. For almost 150 years, until its closure in 1963, the abbey housed prisoners within its austere walls. This period left deep scars on the buildings, but also allowed the abbey’s structure to be preserved. The conversion of the abbey into a prison is a fascinating testament to the changing uses of historic buildings in France, and provides a striking contrast with its religious and spiritual past. During your visit to this majestic building, part of the exhibition is devoted to this period and details the daily life of the inmates.
Discover a lively cultural centre not far from your campsite in the Loire Valley.
Since the closure of the prison, Fontevraud Abbey has undergone a new renaissance as a cultural and tourist centre. Today, it hosts contemporary art exhibitions, concerts and various cultural events throughout the year. A visit to the abbey reveals not only its rich historical past, but also its current dynamism. Visitors can explore its gardens, restored rooms and numerous monuments, while enjoying the cultural events that punctuate the abbey’s year. Take a look at the Abbaye de Fontevraud calendar to discover the dates not to be missed during your holiday at camping l’Isle Verte in Montsoreau.