The Abbaye Royale de l'Épau is one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in western France.
of France.
Founded in 1230 by Queen Berengaria of Navarre, the Abbaye Royale de l'Épau was home to Cistercian monks until the French Revolution. It was then sold as national property, became a laundry and then a farm. Owned by the Conseil départemental de la Sarthe since 1959, the site is currently undergoing a major restoration programme to give it a new lease of life. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1973, this Cistercian abbey is home to a treasure: the recumbent statue of Queen Berengaria. An open cloister leads to the monastic buildings, where the monks used to work and pray. Since the 1970s, the abbey has been the venue for meetings of the Assemblée départementale. Today, it is one of the most important cultural venues in the Sarthe thanks to its rich and varied cultural programme.
Visit
- Duration of individual visit: 1:30 min
- Duration of group visit: 1:30 min
- Groups from 10 people.
Clienteles
- In Group
Languages visit
- French
- English
Languages audioguides
- English
- French
Opening
| From 01 July to 31 August | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open from 10h to 19h |
| Wednesday | Open from 10h to 19h |
| Thursday | Open from 10h to 19h |
| Friday | Open from 10h to 19h |
| Saturday | Open from 10h to 19h |
| Sunday | Open from 10h to 19h |
Fermé le mardi
| From 01 September to 18 January | |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | Open from 11h to 18h |
| Thursday | Open from 11h to 18h |
| Friday | Open from 11h to 18h |
| Saturday | Open from 11h to 18h |
| Sunday | Open from 11h to 18h |
Fermé le mardi. Réservé aux groupes et aux scolaires les lundis (hors vacances scolaires Zone B)
Prices
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full adult price + 2€ lors d’exposition temporaire dans l’abbatiale | 7 € |
|
Children's price 10-17 ans + 2€ lors d’exposition temporaire dans l’abbatiale |
5 € |
|
Discounted rate Demandeur d’emploi, étudiant, RSA, personne en situation de handicap, accompagnant de personne en situation de handicap, Carte Cezam, CE + 2€ lors d’exposition temporaire dans l’abbatiale |
5 € |
| Free of charge Moins de 10 ans | |
|
Price for subscribers Carte Reine Bérengère : accès illimité au site pendant 1 an (hors concerts Festival de l’Epau), accès aux escales et conférences. |
20 € |
|
Group price à partir de 10 personnes. Visite guidée en supplément du droit d'entrée : 2€ |
5,50 € |
|
Price for large families 2 adultes + 2 enfants âgés de plus de 10 ans + 4€ lors d’exposition temporaire dans l’abbatiale |
18 € - 22 € |
Means of payment
- Credit card
- Cheques and postal orders
- Holiday vouchers