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Fontenay Abbey : A Timeless Jewel of the Cistercian Order

Nestled in the heart of Burgundy Fontenay Abbey is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world. Its exceptional architecture and natural surroundings earned it a spot as one of the first French sites to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Founded 900 years ago Fontenay’s history traces back to when Cistercian monks established it in a secluded valley near Montbard surrounded by forests and marshes. This 12th-century abbey reveals extraordinary architectural purity having changed little since it was one of the most influential monastic institutions of medieval Europe.

A Monastic Ideal : The Rule of Saint Benedict

True to Cistercian tradition the monks at Fontenay sought to live in isolation away from the bustling urban centers. Founded in 1098 the Cistercian Order adhered to the Rule of Saint Benedict which emphasized simplicity, prayer, and manual labor. In response to the excesses of the order of Cluny Saint Bernard of Clairvaux led the movement to restore monastic life to its austere roots where monks focused solely on praying and working.

The Founding of Fontenay by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

In 1118 Bernard of Clairvaux sent monks to build a new abbey in the marshes of Burgundy. They drained the land and named it Fontenay. It means spring in Latin. This is due to the abundance of natural water sources.

This serene isolated location still bears the traces of its first inhabitants. Many ancient paths once traversed by monks and pilgrims remain intact. Fontenay also served as a stop along the Way of Saint James leading pilgrims towards Vézelay.

The first structure built was the Chapel of Saint Paul with its distinctive octagonal tower. The monks used local limestone from the surrounding cliffs to construct the abbey followed by the daily living quarters : study room, dormitory, refectory, and kitchen.

The Abbey Church : A Model of Sobriety and Purity

Construction of the abbey church began in 1138. A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture the church’s Latin cross design offers an unparalleled sense of peace and simplicity. Its minimalist approach with only a few plain windows letting in soft natural light was designed to help the monks focus solely on prayer.

A striking 13th-century polychrome tile floor graces the choir while the nave originally featured simple tiles that were removed in the 18th century due to rising underground water.

The church’s spiritual purity is only interrupted by a statue of the Virgin and Child : a 13th-century sculpture that highlights the monks devotion to Mary.

The Cloister : A Romanesque Masterpiece

At the heart of the abbey lies the cloister : an architectural gem built in the 12th century. Designed to promote reflection and prayer the cloister connects the various parts of the abbey and exudes a quiet serenity.

Its sculpted capitals feature citelles : reed-like plants that became the emblem of the Cistercian order. The cloister bathes in golden light as the sun reflects off the soft Burgundy stone creating an atmosphere of divine tranquility.

Work and Prayer : Life of the Monks

The day of the Cistercian monks began at 2 in the morning with the Vigils prayer service. From their unheated dormitories the monks ascended to the church’s south transept via a stone staircase. Sleeping on straw mattresses in a large windowless room they endured the freezing winter temperatures.

After the Lauds prayer service monks gathered in the Chapter House where tasks for the day were assigned and the community’s work was organized. The Scriptorium was one of the few rooms that was heated to prevent ink from freezing as monks meticulously copied and illuminated manuscripts.

Work was broken up by religious services every three hours. During the summer monks worked up to 23 hours per week while in the winter it was 17 hours.

Fontenay : Europe’s First Steelworks

In the 13th century Fontenay became one of Europe’s first steelworks. The monks extracted ore from nearby veins forging tools and metalwork that brought substantial financial prosperity to the abbey. This early industrial activity demonstrated the community’s self-sufficiency and economic importance.

From Royal Abbey to Industrial Site

Royal protection was granted to Fontenay in 1269 which allowed the abbey to flourish. At its peak in the 14th century up to 300 monks and lay brothers lived and worked at Fontenay.

Despite its royal backing the abbey suffered during times of war and upheaval. In 1359 Edward III of England looted the abbey and again in 1557 Protestant troops caused destruction. By the 16th century only about 150 monks remained.

After Burgundy became part of France the abbey came under royal control with the king appointing abbots who showed little interest in the abbey’s future. As a result monastic life began to decline and several buildings including the refectory were demolished due to lack of funds.

A World Heritage Site

By the time of the French Revolution only eight monks remained. The abbey was sold in 1791 and transformed into a paper mill by Claude Hugot saving it from destruction. In 1820 Élie de Montgolfier, descendant of the hot-air balloon inventors purchased the abbey and continued its industrial use installing papermaking machines in the church. Thanks to these efforts the site was designated a Historic Monument in 1862.

In 1903 when the paper mill closed Rose Montgolfier and her husband Édouard Aynard undertook significant restoration work removing the industrial remnants and returning the abbey to its monastic roots.

A Legacy Preserved

Today Fontenay Abbey remains a privately owned treasure lovingly preserved by the Aynard family for over five generations. Beautifully restored the abbey is surrounded by a 2-hectare park and offers visitors a peaceful retreat filled with history and serenity.

A visit to Fontenay is not only a step back in time but an opportunity to experience the medieval Cistercian way of life amid stunning architecture and nature.