Fontenay Abbey and Montbard, Buffon's town
Deep in a wooded valley, Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian abbeys in France. Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Nearby, Montbard keeps the memory of the naturalist Buffon.
What to see and do
Fontenay Abbey
Abbey church, cloister, chapter house, dormitory under its timber roof: the whole site is wonderfully simple and peaceful. Don't miss the forge, one of the oldest industrial buildings in Europe.
The abbey gardens
Lawns, fountains and a stream surround the buildings. You can linger for hours, especially in spring.
The Buffon park in Montbard
Terraced gardens on the hill where the naturalist Buffon wrote his Natural History in the 18th century, with a museum devoted to him.
The Grande Forge de Buffon
In the village of Buffon, an 18th-century ironworks built by the naturalist himself, on the banks of the Armançon.
The Burgundy canal
Its flat, shady towpath is perfect for cycling or walking, from lock to lock.
Opening times change with the seasons: check before you go. Our favourite addresses (producers, restaurants, markets) are in the welcome book of every house.
Good to know
- The abbey is privately owned and open to visitors: check seasonal opening times before you go.
- Montbard has a direct train link to Paris, handy for a car-free stay.
- Flavigny-sur-Ozerain and Alesia are about twenty minutes away.
Nearby
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