Royaumont Abbey

     Royaumont Abbey, built between 1228 and 1235, served as a Cistercian monastery until 1791.  During the French Revolution the church was dismantled, and some of the stones were used to build a factory.  From 1915 to 1919, the French Red Cross turned the still intact sacristy (a room for keeping liturigal garments and church furnishings), cloister (a covered walkway), and refectory (a dining room) into a military hospital.  The Goüin family bought the property and set up the Royaumont Foundation in 1964, the first private cultural foundation in France.  Today the abbey is a tourist attraction and cultural center.

Royaumont Abbey

This tower is all that's left of the church.

This is the shared wall between the abbey and demolished church.

The Cloister

The Refectory

There are several examples of medieval stained glass in the refectory.  Today, the large windows of clear glass let in lots of light.  During the middle ages, the refectory would have been a dark, shadowy place.  Subdued light aided spiritual contemplation.

The monks cultivated two kinds of gardens - plants for medicinal purposes and plants for ornamental purposes.

There is a grotto on the grounds.  The path leading to it is lined with stones from the dismantled church.

Besides being a concert venue and serving as a location for a French film, the abbey will also host your wedding.  Imagine having your reception here. 

Mike and Cousin Pierre

Elevated to Another Plane.