(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France

Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery.

It's big, majestic and, above all, ancient! TheAbbaye de Royaumont was founded in 1228, but it's not ready to retire just yet. Nestled in the heart of the Val d'Oise, 35 minutes from Paris and accessible by Navigo, the Abbaye de Royaumont stands as an emblematic monument to be (re)discovered, all the more so as numerous events and novelties enhance the historic site.

This royal abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has stood the test of time. Listed as a historical monument since 1927 for its remains, and 1948 for the abbey buildings and park, it is the largest Cistercian abbey in the region, offering us an immersion in a rich and fascinating past.

Over the years, theAbbaye de Royaumont has benefited from numerous restorations, including an extensive campaign in 2016, preserving its remarkable architecture. The buildings are arranged around a superb cloister, at the heart of which is one of the finest Gothic refectories in France. Although the abbey church was destroyed during the French Revolution, the romantic ruins that remain bear witness to the abbey's former splendor.

For 60 years, the Royaumont Foundation has been working to preserve the abbey nicknamed "Saint Louis". It has patiently carried out restoration work, most recently tackling the ruins of the abbey church, destroyed in 1792 during the French Revolution. The remains, including an imposing wall, columns and an isolated turret, bear witness to the former grandeur of the edifice, once more imposing than some notorious cathedrals. Exceptionally, the abbey has been the burial place for members of the royal family, demonstrating Louis IX's attachment to the abbey. Recent restorations, carried out by architect Richard Duplat, have not only replaced damaged stones but also modified the upper part of the wall to illustrate the original medieval architecture and its water management system.

The Abbey is renowned not only for its architecture, but also for its remarkable gardens. The cloister's formal garden, the Potager-Jardin Expérimental (experimental kitchen garden) and the 9 carrés (garden of 9 squares), inspired by the Middle Ages, extend over a 7-hectare park irrigated by a network of canals, offering a haven of peace and natural beauty.

The Abbey's commitment to culture and the arts is palpable through its initiatives, such as the opening of the Abbey Hotel and Table in 2017, allowing visitors to extend their experience in this place steeped in history. Easter festivities, shows, a festive weekend and a new brunch bring the place to life.

Every autumn, the Abbey hosts a music and dance festival, bringing together renowned artists in an exceptional setting. The festival is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural richness of Royaumont and to offer unique moments to art and music lovers.

Royaumont Abbey is open all year round, offering guided and self-guided tours to discover the many facets of this historic gem. Whether admiring the architecture, strolling through the gardens, enjoying Sunday brunch or taking part in cultural events, Royaumont has something for everyone.

Discovering historic rooms and spaces

Le Réfectoire des Moines: This luminous room bears witness to the daily life of Cistercian monks. With its exceptional acoustics, it is now used for concerts.

The monks' kitchens: large and functional, the kitchens recall the daily life of monks, between spirituality and material necessities.

The Cloister: The center of monastic life, the cloister is a place for meditation and work, surrounded by galleries that house the abbey's main rooms.

Les Ruines de l'Abbatiale: Although dismantled during the French Revolution, the remains of the abbey church give a glimpse of its former grandeur.

The converse refectory: The former converse refectory is a six-bay, rib-vaulted hall, one of the largest in the abbey. Built in the 11th century, together with the cellar to the north and the dormitory upstairs, it formed a complex dedicated to the lay brothers and separated from the rest of the abbey by an inner alleyway, still clearly identifiable today. It is now possible to enjoy the Abbey's monthly brunch when the number of reservations is substantial.

The Sacristy: A space dedicated to worship, the sacristy houses relics and sacred objects that bear witness to the abbey's religious fervor.

The Henry and Isabel Goüin Library: Filled with precious books, it symbolizes Royaumont's thirst for knowledge and intellectual dialogue. This room is only visible during guided tours.

Le Café et La Table de Royaumont: These spaces offer moments of conviviality and relaxation, allowing you to savor cuisine inspired by produce from the abbey's kitchen garden. Please note that they are only open at weekends. Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime for the table. Brunch is available every last Sunday of the month, by reservation.

Getting to Royaumont Abbey, opening hours, prices and access :

TheAbbaye de Royaumont, located in Asnières-sur-Oise in the Val-d'Oise region (95), welcomes you daily for self-guided tours between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., from March to October. To explore this historic jewel at your own pace, prices on the website are €9 for adults and €6.50 for children aged 7 and over. Note that the admission ticket also entitles you to enjoy the shows on offer on Sundays. For those wishing to enhance their experience, an additional €2 is charged for guided tours. To facilitate access, free shuttles are available until the end of August from Survilliers-Fosses (RER D) and Luzarches (line H) stations, making the visit even easier. We recommend you book your visit in advance, to guarantee your place. For further information, please visit the official website.