Abbeys monasteries and convents Ile-De-France

Among the unknown treasures of Paris, you can find the splendid Cloître des Billettes, the only cloister of the medieval era that remains in the capital. The building takes its name from the order of the brothers of Charité de Notre-Dame, called "Ordre des Billettes", which later became Ordre des Carmes (Carmelite order). At that time, the monastery of the monks of the order was in the building. The cloister is noteworthy for the beauty and elegance of its vaults of typically flamboyant architecture. Nearby: The Hôtel de Ville de Paris, the BHV store, the Centre Georges Pompidou, the Hotel de Soubise, Rue des Archives and Rue des Blancs-Manteaux, Rue de Rivoli, La Samaritaine…

This 8 ha park, located in Dammarie-les-Lys, offers an amazing view of the ruins of the royal abbey of Notre-Dame-du-Lys! This former Cistercian abbey was founded by Blanche de Castille and Louis IX in 1244. Long abandoned and then transformed into an animal enclosure during the Revolution, it was then sold as a ruin at the end of the 18th century. It is now classified as a Historic Monument. To enjoy the place, a beautiful summer day is preferable: these imposing transept, choir and chevet still in place, in their green setting under a beautiful blue sky, impress at first glance! Surprisingly, it is possible to walk among the remains without any barrier disturbing the walk; hence the presence - alas - of some very unwelcome graffiti on the stone! In any case, this is enough to satisfy the archaeology enthusiast who will be able to browse as he pleases. Note the presence, nearby, of designed gardens, as well as the Didier Lockwood Music Centre.

The former Royal Abbey Notre-Dame du Lys, built from 1244 to 1253, at the initiative of the Blanche de Castille, in the Plaine du Lys near Melun, reserved for the high-line ladies, is a jewel of Gothic art and considered one of the most beautiful cistercian ensembles of Ile-de-France. Sold to the revolution as a national good, there are still some ruins, part of the choir, the square apse, some parts of the transept and the staircase allowing access to the bell.

This Cistercian abbey, situated in the commune of Souppes-sur-Loing, in 1181, thanks to Philippe Auguste and the monks of the order of Cîteaux, preserved some remains despite the successive looting. In particular the barn to the tithes, the building of the monks, the oratory and house of the abbot, not forgetting a press, a pasture, the park and gardens.