Travel Guide Fontenay

(THE FONTENAY ABBEY) History: The monks of Cîteaux sought a place where tranquillity would reign, an isolated place conducive to prayer and meditation. They settled in 1119 in a coomb (nowadays called Coomb Coomb), sheltered from age-old nuisance, in the middle of the Burgundian forest. They then move a few hundred meters, in 1130, at the intersection this coomb and the Vallon vallon to really begin construction of the monastery at its definitive location. The architecture of buildings reflects the intentions of these Cistercian people. Nothing strikes the sensitivity, nothing disturbs, nothing disturbs. Thought follows its course, enriched by attendance in these simple forms. It is the human dimension that rewards, the rejection of conspicuous, the richness of enzymes. This abbey, the third founded by Bernard after Clairvaux (1115) and Trois-Fountains (1118), will prosper until the th century. At the highest of its reputation, three hundred people housed in its buildings. The decline began with the commende system. Abbots are now appointed by royal order. The layman seizes the religious and the high functions become a means of retribution like another, sometimes far from spiritual inspirations. Fontenay is no longer just a shadow of itself. In the Revolution, the abbey is sold and transformed into a stationery. It is interesting to note that Fontenay will establish three abbeys in the course of history, including the one in Sept-Fons (in 1132), which still houses a monastic community today. The abbey church: It is one of the oldest Cistercian churches in France. The recount seems to be the best qualifier for this building. Only two foothills and seven hanger bays highlight the facade. They are supposed to represent the seven sacraments. Displays and paintings of the portal are reproductions of the constituent elements. Measures and perspectives are in strict compliance with the rules of the Cistercian order. The eight spans are protected by the brisée nave. The lower sides are enhanced by chapels. On the north side, the statue is the statue of Notre-Dame de Fontenay, dating back to the th century. In the chorus of scrupulous geometry, tombstones are found, particularly in the distance, the last remains of the Lord de Melo of Epoisses and his beloved. The forge: The large building in the southern part of the abbey, isolated from the claustral ensemble, housed the forge. At the opposite of the court, a tributary runs through the construction. The lower canal date of installation of the first monks. Powered by Ru from Fontenay, it provided the hydraulic energy necessary to operate wheels. The discovery of scories near and about fifteen wells of mines on a hill indicates that the monks at Fontenay had abundant iron production. The restoration of the hydraulic forge hammer, with its five-metre diameter paddle, was inaugurated in May 2008. The entire system was carried out by seven European professional lycées, including the Lycée school, with the assistance of academics (Paris 1) and craftsmen. Forging demonstrations are scheduled from May to September. With this reconstitution, the Fontenay forge is an essential testimony to the Cistercian steel. It is probably also one of the oldest factories in Europe. The Gardens: those who can be pleased to observe do not resemble the Cistercian gardens in any way. For monks, it was about sourcing medicinal plants. These new green spaces - classified "Outstanding Gardens" in 2004 by the Ministry of Culture - have been designed by an English architect and will allow visitors to wander through the open air in a beautiful and beautifully arranged setting.Information: 03 80 92 15 00Fax: 03 80 92 16 88. Website: www.abbayedefontenay.com - E-mail: [email protected] 6 km from Ten and 30 km from the A 6, exit by the Bierre-lès-Semur interchange. Open from mid-November to late March, from 10 a. m. to 12 p. m. and from 14 p. m. to 17 p. m. - no guided tours. From April to mid-November, open from 10 am to 18 pm with guided tours every hour. In July and August, open from 10 a. m. to 19 p. m. and guided tours every morning and every half hour, in the afternoon from 14 p. m. to 17 p. m. Rates: 9.20 €, 4,40 € for the - 26 years. Groups: € 8,10 for adults, € 3,90 for 26 years.