In and Around Fontevraud
Stories from Fontevraud
Teresa Dolan is a professional writer and producer of children's stories. She and her husband live in a very special village, Fontevraud L'Abbaye and have provided some tips on what to discover in this region.
The Abbaye Royale is clearly the jewel in the crown. Built in the 12th century as a monastery/nunnery, the abbey is steeped in history and legend. Napoleon turned it into one of the harshest prisons in France and so it remained for 200 years. Now it is a vibrant cultural centre programming an eclectic range of art forms from music - to film – to the visual arts. It also has some very pretty gardens, one of them dedicated to Alienor d’Aquitaine, wife of Henry II who are both buried at the Abbey.
Abbaye de Fontevraud
I nearly missed this spectacular attraction, thinking how exciting can an Abbey be after all those wonderful chateaus. Wrong! This is one of Europe's largest monastic complex with fascinating and different architectural styles.
The renovation has left the tuffeau stone glistening. In fact I've never seen stone so polished and white. The tombs of Richard the Lionheart, Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine of located within the church. But there's plenty more to explore.
www.abbaye-fontevraud.com
Lovoir des Roches
This is well worth a short visit as it is here, in times past, that the women of the village would have taken their daily/weekly laundry. This unique wooden structure was restored in 2005. Opposite is a 12th century well. There are plenty of places to picnic either on the benches or grass areas. Perhaps not by the local cemetery which is also in this area. Ancient, and more recent tombstones lay in the shadow of the Abbey. Many heroes are buried here as witnessed by the numerous references to the * Légion d’Honneur *.
Fontevraud L'Abbaye boasts plenty of scenic walks including a huge, majestic forest that skirts the village behind the abbey.
There is also an Antiquarian bookshop, a harp and lute maker, two excellent boulangeries, an epicerie. Another attraction is the 'Savonnerie Artisanale' a wonderful unique place filled from top to bottom with soaps and essential oils. These soaps are in their purest form, 100% vegetal with no synthetic additives used.
St. Michel
The charming ancient church of St. Michel with its pure gold alter piece that was originally located in the Abbey along with St. Catherine’s Allée are places to visit and enjoy.
English Style Tea Room
Chez Teresa/A Taste d’Angleterre is in close proximity to the abbey where the speciality of the house is Victoria Sandwich, Scones, Cream and Jam. Light lunches are also available, and by reservation, evening meals. Chez Teresa is open every afternoon from Mid-day until 18hrs – or later if you book an evening meal. Chez Teresa also has a Brocante, and a Chambre d’Hotes. In addition, creative writing workshops are available for those wishing to become involved in an exciting project aimed at creating an on-line anthology exploring historical themes.
closed Tuesdays and Thursdays
www.chezteresa.com