Abbaye de Montivilliers (Closed)

A fully restored masterpiece of medieval architecture, Montivilliers Abbey is at the heart of the local history and cultural scene.

The former "Monasterii Villare", which gave its name to the town, was founded in 684 by Saint Philibert, the abbot of Jumièges. He chose a site in the Lézarde Valley to build a Benedictine monastery for nuns. The nuns occupied the place until the French Revolution. The buildings were then transformed and integrated progressively into the town.

The whole monastic site was listed a Historic Monument in 1992 when the 18th century abbess' palace was being restored.

It became home to the Condorcet municipal library in 1994.

The other buildings, the cloister, the 11th century Chapter house and the 13th and 16th century dormitories and refectory were restored between 1997 and 2000 and turned into the town's cultural centre and main attraction.

The programme of temporary exhibitions, guided tours, events and activities allow visitors to discover the site all year round.

Please note: works are currently taking place in one the buildings of the abbey. Visitors can access freely the cloister, the Chapter house and the Gothic refectory (exhibition hall) during summer.