Heritage trail - The two lives of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

Heritage trail - The two lives of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

Heritage and history
Park's trail
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At the crossroads of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou, Fontevraud-L'Abbaye is a pretty, flower-filled monastic village. Round off your visit with a tour of the Abbey, the necropolis of the Plantagenet dynasty, housing the recumbent figures of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart: a truly exceptional site!
His name is François-Yves Besnard, in turn doctor of theology, parish priest, mayor, prefect and tax collector. It's this historic figure from Fontevraud who tells you a little of the history of the place, in the discovery booklet.

It's May 1814, and after ten years of renovation, the prestigious Abbey has been converted into a prison. A strange destiny for one of Europe's greatest monastic cities. As you stroll through the village, imagine how the French Revolution disrupted the life of a village whose main activity was linked to the abbey...

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  • Les deux vies de Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

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Description

Before you set off, don't forget to print out the discovery booklet, which is essential for this walk. It's also available for €1 from your nearest tourist office.

Go to the starting station next to the tourist office.

Then follow the signs on the ground. The numbered stations indicate a stopping point with explanations in the discovery booklet.

  1. Head opposite Place Saint-Michel to reach Place des Plantagenets. Turn left onto avenue Rochechouart for 550m. Turn right onto rue Saint-Mainboeuf and discover the 1st station at the fountain, refer to the booklet. Continue for the full length of rue Saint-Mainboeuf.
  2. Turn left and use the bridge to cross the Arceau. The 2nd station is located here, please refer to the booklet. Continue to avenue Rochechouart and turn left into place des Plantagenets. Return to Place Saint-Michel to find the 3rd station opposite the church (refer to booklet). Continue along allée Saint-Catherine for 140m.
  3. Cross Place du 8 mai 1945, then turn left onto Avenue du 11 novembre 1918. Turn right onto rue de l'Hôpital to find the 4th station (see booklet). Retrace your steps and turn left onto Avenue du 11 novembre 1918. Go ahead 150m and turn right on rue Robert d'Abrissel.
  4. Take Rue Robert d'Abrissel in its entirety, where the 5th station is located (see booklet), then return to Place des Plantagenets. Turn right on rue du Logis Bourbon. Descend for 300m, turn left on rue de l'Hermitage and climb for 240m.
  5. Discover the 6th station (see booklet), then turn left onto the path between the fields. After 500m, join rue Saint-Jean de l'Habit and turn left. Follow this winding street for 400m, where you'll find the 7th station (see booklet). Turn left into Place des Pantagenets.
  • Departure : Tourism Office
  • Arrival : Tourism Office
  • Towns crossed : Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

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