Royal Abbey of L'Épau

The royal abbey of Épau is an ancient Cistercian abbey founded by Queen Bérengère of Navarre in 1229-1230. The abbey has nearly disappeared many times, both due to wars and financial problems that arose in modern times. It was saved by the General Council of Sarthe, which acquired it in 1959. It is part of the historical properties of the Sarthe department.

  • History
  • Monument

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Mélanie - Travel on the Wheels

This building has preserved almost all of its structures and remains today one of the most beautiful examples of Cistercian architecture in France.

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Mélanie - Travel on the Wheels

I particularly liked this type of project. The permaculture agricultural garden allows for the continuation of the Cistercian heritage, which aims to provide 100% of the vegetables for the catering space of the estate: the Café des Moines. A very nice project.

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Mélanie - Travel on the Wheels

The abbey also plays a democratic role by hosting the sessions of the departmental assembly of which it has been the seat since the 1970s.

Nearby points of interest

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