Offer 218

Huge historic abbey on the bank of the Loire river

Located 15 miles (25 km) away from the town of Angers (TGV train and airport), 185 miles (300 km) from Paris and at peace on 30 acres (12 ha) of grounds, this abbey dates from the 12^th, 13^th and 17^th centuries and is listed as an Historic Monument (M.H.).

The 17th century northern wing of the abbey overlooks the Loire river

The abbey is one of the oldest of the Anjou region: it was founded during the 6^th century on the location of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa. It went through the Norman invasions and the Hundred Years War. Joan of Arc stopped there in 1429. The abbey has been rebuilt during the 17^th century. During the Revolution, the property was sold away and it is not before the 19^th century that monks settle back and bring the abbey back to life again.

Today, most of the 17^th century buildings and the 12^th-13^th centuries chapel can be admired. Only the western side remains from the ancient 11^th century building, with a Carolingian cross that is the symbol of the abbey.

The buildings of the abbey seen from the eastern part of the ground

The abbey is composed of a set of buildings made of Tuffeau stone with a slate roofing and offers a total interior space of 44,150 sq. ft. (4,100 sq. mt.).

The northern wing (M.H.-listed)	One of the courtyards with the cloister

The main building features 3 wings, among which the very beautiful and listed 17^th century northern wing is set on the river bank.

The ground floor (10,570 sq. ft., 982 sq. mt.) distributes an entrance hall, a library, a dining room (1,722 sq. ft., 160 sq. mt.), a further dining room (750 sq. ft., 70 sq. mt.), a vast kitchen with a pantry, a huge playroom (2,530 sq. ft., 235 sq. mt.), a shower room and many other service rooms, among which 3 large vaulted cellars. Next, an entresol floor (3,230 sq. ft., 300 sq. mt.) is divided up into a large vaulted reception room and several other rooms and attics. The 1^st floor (12,900 sq. ft., 1,200 sq. mt.) features a chapel (3,230 sq. ft., 300 sq. mt.), several conference rooms, one of which huge: 1,830 sq. ft., 170 sq. mt., a library, several studies and 12 monk cells. The 2^nd floor (10,440 sq. ft., 970 sq. mt.) includes 2 large rooms, 38 bedrooms and bathrooms.

Continuation of the visit of the abbey...

For more information, please contact
Demeures de France
by e-mail,
by telephone: (33) 1 44 17 95 40
or by Fax: (33) 1 44 17 95 77

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