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A glorious example of Cistercian architecture
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The oldest buildings (church nave and chapter room) date from the end of the 12th century, although the monks never stopped embellishing, transforming or building until the French Revolution. Despite the superposition of styles, a true respect for homogeneity and unity is evident.
The cloister, which is at the centre of the monument, with its gallery contiguous to the abbey church, leads off to the different buildings. Dominated by the abbey belfry, the cloister at Fontfroide was built in two periods but this does not affect its harmonious aspect. Its galleries, vaulted with intersecting ribs, stand on culs-de-lampe or capitals sculpted with leaf designs. In each season, the cloister garden will captivate you with its multitude of colours.
As is generally the case, the abbey church is built over the highest point of the monastery and follows the traditional plan of the Roman cross. Built in five bays, the 20 metrehigh nave has a pointed cradle vault. Five early 14th century chapels open from the southern side-aisle, dating from the time of Abbot Jacques Fournier. When Gustave and Madeleine Fayet purchased Fontfroide, the glass windows had disappeared so they decided to install the colourful contemporary stained-glass windows in 1913.
Built between 1180 and 1280, the chapter room combines sobriety and majesty, strength and lightness. You will also be able to see, on the first floor, the wide refectory, the storeroom, and the dormitory of the laymen friars.
During the 17th century, the abbey's surroundings were embellished by a main courtyard with a monumental entrance door and adjacent gardens. Indeed, Fontfroide is famous for its rose garden, the most important one in the south of France, its lovely garden of fragrances as well as the garden called "de la Portion Cule” which is planted with cypress and olive trees and a collection of irises.
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Abbaye de Fontfroide
11 000 Narbonne
phone: (+0033) 04.68.45.50.71
fax: (+0033) 04.68.45.18.31
e-mail: info@fontfroide.com
site : www.fontfroide.com
Take the N113 direction Narbonne, follow the sign posts « Abbaye de Fontfroide »
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