Description
Since the creation in the XIII century
until our days, the abbey was never abandoned. It is the holy King Louis who
founded the abbey in 1228 under the behaviour of his mother White of Castille.
The impressive dimensions of the convent, its royal character but its implanting
isolated in the middle of lakes answers the recommendations of the Cistercian
order to which it belongs. Close to political power it hosted receptions to
Richelieu, Louis XIII, Mazarin but also artists and intellectuals. However on
the eve of the revolution, it accommodates only about ten monks in buildings in
a bad state. Revolutionary period marks monastic end of life: in 1792 the church
is destroyed and the abbey transformed into cotton spinning mill. In the end of
the XIX a religious congregation buys buildings and begins the first works of
restoration. Acquired by the family Göin at the beginning of this century, the
abbey belongs since 1964 to a cultural centre foundation of international
reputation activities of which turn to vocal music, music of the Middle Age,
contemporary poetry and programs of development of the monument.
Activities
A bar, lounge, billiard room, library and television room, along with a wide
range of board-games and sports facilities, ensure that there is something for
everyone at the abbey.
There is also the Abbey itself to visit, alone or with a guide, and the library
can be consulted on request. The grounds are an ideal place for a stroll or just
to sit and absorb the tranquillity and history.
Receptions
This is the ideal setting in which to organize a reception, party or company
event. The finest rooms in the abbey are available all year round for cocktail
parties, buffets, candle-lit dinners, medieval feasts and galas.
Prestige dinners are candle-lit and served in the Former Monks’ Refectory (for
150 guests or more) or the Former Kitchens (for 60 guests or more). The price
includes hiring the Former Kitchens or the Former Monks’ Refectory, service
until midnight, catering facilities, floral decorations for the tables and a
cloakroom (unattended). Entertainment, concerts and dancing facilities can be
organized on request.
Gourmet menus are served in a private lounge. Menu prices include table setting,
floral decorations on the tables, service until 4 pm for lunches and 11 pm for
dinners, and candles in the evening. The wine-cellar is a living environment;
from time to time, we may be obliged to change this or that wine or vintage.
Conferences & Seminars
For residential seminars, general meetings, international conferences and
prestige events, the Abbey has a wide range of fully equipped, bright, spacious
rooms at your disposal, all overlooking the grounds. (Car park for 120 vehicles
and parking area for coaches.)
All 39 rooms were entirely refurbished in 1998 and overlook the grounds or the
cloister. In addition to 62 beds available at the Foundation, there are local
hotels of all categories within a 10 kilometer radius.
Menu prices include table settings, floral decorations on the tables, service
until 4 pm for lunches and 11 pm for dinners, and candles in the evening. The
wine-cellar is a living environment; from time to time, we may be obliged to
change this or that wine or vintage.
Click here to view a map of the area
