Tag Archives: Abbeys

Culture/History: The Many Lives Of Abbeys In France

FRANCE 24 (March 21, 2023) – Once important seats of Christian worship, and now treasures of the country’s heritage, French abbeys often have surprising histories. That’s the case of Fontevraud abbey, in the former duchy of Anjou. Run by a woman during its heyday, the abbey was turned into a prison after the French Revolution.

In Alsace, the abbey of Mont Sainte-Odile is famous for its supposedly miraculous spring water. Finally, on the outskirts of Montpellier, Valmagne abbey used to be a wine cellar. Visitors can still observe the gigantic barrels that were once used to store thousands of litres of wine.

French Estate Tour: ’12th Century Abbey Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (Video)

This beautiful former abbey has been restored to a high standard and comes with 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms served by a central stone spiral staircase. It also offers beautiful views, land and 2 stocked lakes. Located 100 kms from Bordeaux, 30 kms from Angouleme (TGV to Paris under 2 1/2 hrs), near Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (one of the prettiest villages in France) in a quiet location down a no through road.

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a commune in the Charente department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of Southwestern France. It has been officially listed as “One of the most beautiful villages in France” since 1993. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is also well known for its Church of Saint Jean, an underground, Monolithic Church.