Cloister of Fontevraud Abbey

An unmissable visit just a stone’s throw from Saumur and Chinon.

Visit Fontevraud and discover the wines of Saumur Champigny

Our suggestions to help you plan your stay and organize a wine tasting in some of the best wineries nearby.

The Fontevraud Abbey, the largest monastic city in Europe, is an unmissable destination that is well worth the journey. Yet, there are many more reasons that make this visit even more enticing.

Since 2021, the abbey has housed a new modern art museum located in the former “Fannerie.” This museum showcases the exceptional Cligman collection, which includes nearly 900 works. This outstanding donation turns Fontevraud into a remarkable cultural stop.

Notable artists in the collection include Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, Maurice de Vlaminck, Albert Marquet, Kees van Dongen, Robert Delaunay, and Germaine Richier. The collection also features sculptures, glassworks, and antique objects, providing a diverse view of modern art and world cultures.

The village of Fontevraud itself is worth visiting, with its central square offering a perfect spot for a meal before exploring the nearby vineyards.

Just 5 kilometers away, the village of Turquant offers the chance to taste Saumur-Champigny wines, while further east lies the famous Chinon vineyard. Saumur, known for its wine caves, is also nearby.

For wine lovers, Bourgueil is easily accessible by crossing the Loire, a quick ten-minute drive away, providing access to another renowned appellation in the region.

Looking for specific wineries? It’s tempting to stay close to the abbey with a tasting at Domaine des Frémonclairs or Domaine des Champs Fleuris, two of the nearest to Fontevraud. A little farther afield, we recommend the excellent wines of Arnaud Lambert.

Fontevraud and its surroundings offer a unique combination of historical heritage, modern art, and wine discoveries, making this region an all-around destination for culture and wine enthusiasts.


Cloister of Fontevraud Abbey

Fontevraud Abbey - Tomb: Eleanor of Aquitaine

Downtown Fontevraud

Fontevraud Modern Art Museum: the Cligman Foundation

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Where to taste wine in

Fontevraud

Our selection of must-visit wineries and wine producers in the area. For a perfect cellar tour and tasting experience!

Logo Domaine Pierre et Bertrand Couly

Domaine Pierre et Bertrand Couly

Domaine Pierre et Bertrand Couly deploys its 20 hectares of vines in the heart of the Touraine wine region. Located on the Chinon vineyard, the…

Logo Domaine Fouet

Domaine Fouet

Domaine Fouet deploys its 22 hectares of vines in the heart of the Anjou-Saumur wine region. The winery produces wines from two main appellations :…

Logo Domaine Charles Joguet

Domaine Charles Joguet

Domaine Charles Joguet deploys its 40 hectares of vines in the heart of the Touraine wine region. The winery produces wines from two main appellations…

Logo Domaine de Bel Air

Domaine de Bel Air

Domaine de Bel Air deploys its 13 hectares of vines in the heart of the Touraine wine region. Located on the Chinon vineyard, the winery…

Logo Domaine de Rocheville

Domaine de Rocheville

Domaine de Rocheville deploys its 16 hectares of vines in the heart of the Anjou-Saumur wine region. The winery offers a wide range of wines…

Logo Domaine L'Austral

Domaine L’Austral

Domaine L’Austral deploys its 4 hectares of vines in the heart of the Anjou-Saumur wine region. The winery produces wines from two main appellations :…

More wineries near ou

Fontevraud

: more to visit in the area

Our recommendations for must-see activities and tourist sites nearby.

  • Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil

    Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil

    Welcome to Bourgueil wine region, a charming village surrounded by gently sloping vineyards.

  • Chenonceau castle

    Chenonceau castle

    Do we really need to introduce the Château de Chenonceau and its five arches spanning the Cher?

  • Blois

    Blois

    Two hours from Paris, Blois is a charming stopover and the gateway to the Sologne wine region.