Exterior
The village of Fontevraud is a delight for the eyes: a typical village of the Anjou region, made of freestone and slate, situated between the three regions of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou and in the middle of the Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, Fontevraud is part of the Pôle Touristique International [International Tourist Division] of Saumur and its region. For those who love castles, the region is home to a number of gems: in Saumur, the 13th-century fortress; in Montsoreau, the castle "that tells the story of the Loire river"; in Brézé, a castle “unlike the others” as it is the only underground castle in the Loire Valley; in Chinon, the medieval fortress and the city of Rabelais. And there are more still! Visiting the wine cellars and tasting their wares is well worth the detour. Some of the most well known are: Gratien & Meyer, Bouvet Ladubay, Langlois Château and Louis de Grenelle. The many and surprising troglodyte sites, such as the Cave aux Moines, characterise the region, along with the Mushroom Museum, Pierre et Lumière and La Grande Vignolle.
Rooms
The Hotel Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud offers 52 standard, superior and deluxe rooms with modern but sober décor and overlooking the gardens or the abbey. The 52 rooms of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, overlooking the orchard or the monument, combine charm and comfort with sobriety.
Restaurant
The restaurant, Le Cloître, serves refined and creative gourmet cuisine complemented by delicious Loire Vallée wines. There is a terrace for al-fresco dining from mid-April to the end of September. Please note that reservation is mandatory. Listed in the Champérard, GaultMillau and Bottin Gourmand guides, the restaurant is open everyday from 19:00 to 21:15 and from 12:00 to 14:00 on Sundays and public holidays. It is closed from 15 November 2008 to Easter 2009. The bar, Le Salon Saint Lazare, offers cocktails and teatime in a warm atmosphere by the fire. It is open everyday from 18:00 to 23:00. It is closed from 15 November 2008 to Easter 2009.
Location
The Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud is situated between the regions of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou. A monastic city that covers 14 hectares, Fontevraud is one of the biggest and most well conserved medieval abbeys. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. What makes this abbey original? The fact that it was home to both a male and a female order, and that it was directed by a woman. Chosen from nuns with noble backgrounds, 36 lady abbots, 16 of which from royal blood, directed the order from 1115 to 1792. Our hotel is located in the gardens of the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, in one of the four priories, the “Saint Lazare”, with 52 rooms. This is an exceptional setting packed with history and traditions, known for its local and sophisticated cuisine.