ABBAYE DE PONTIGNY
The largest Cistercian abbey in the world hosts concerts, a festival, conferences and exhibitions.
Founded in 1114, Pontigny Abbey is the largest Cistercian abbey in the world (4,000 m² in floor space and over 121 metres in length), and its Gothic bell tower dominates the valley. Now the parish church of the village of Pontigny, it is surrounded by a vast estate. Of the former monastic enclosure, however, only the converse dormitory has been preserved, along with part of the cloister. It was here in the 20th century that philosopher Paul Desjardins launched the "Décades de Pontigny", which brought together authors such as André Gide and François Mauriac. In short, this place steeped in history, just a stone's throw from the vineyards, is a must-see. And where numerous cultural events are organized throughout the year by the association Les Amis de Pontigny: concerts, a festival (Les Heures musicales), conferences and exhibitions, among others. As for the beautiful boutique, you'll find products from monastic productions, but not only. You'll find jams, honeys, cakes, Yonne wines and by-products such as candles and soaps.
The estate is currently undergoing a major transformation. After purchasing it from the Conseil Régional in 2019, the Fondation François Schneider plans (in the medium term) to turn the premises into a major tourist complex, complete with hotel and gourmet restaurant. Planned cost: over €20 million. Since September 2024, the tour route has already been redesigned with sound immersion and 3D sound, and the first restaurant has been opened.
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Elle mériterait d'être mieux mise en valeur, mais alors le flot de touriste (et de petits commerces souvenirs) risque de compromettre le plaisir de cette visite.