Fontenay Abbey

Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Fontenay Abbey is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world. The abbey church was consecrated by Pope Eugene III in 1147. The abbey became a royal abbey in 1269 and endured various challenges including looting during the Hundred Years' War. After the French Revolution in 1789, the last eight monks left in 1790 and the abbey was sold and converted into a paper mill. Since 1820, it has been privately owned by the Montgolfier-Aynard family, who have dedicated themselves to its restoration, maintenance, and public opening. The abbey welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually.