マスニエールのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

shaded parking and picnic tables

This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 by Bernard of Clairvaux and grew into a large and influential community within a century. Royal armies camped there as in a fortress and Charles V signed peace with Henry II in 1556. In addition to the sick and outcasts, travellers and pilgrims also found shelter in the hospital. The largest abbey church in Europe stood here with an extraordinary length of 135 metres. On feast days, 3000 meals were provided to the needy in the wide area. After the French Revolution, it was declared national property and an inglorious end followed as an open-air quarry. Now, restored parts remain, such as the abbot's palace with the dormitories and monks' halls with the chapter house next to it. The 7-hectare abbey park is being restored to its former glory. Open March to November (Tue-Sat 10am-12pm and 2pm-5.30pm, Sun 3pm-6.30pm, closed Mondays).

Parts of this gigantic abbey are interesting to visit. The church has disappeared but must have been enormous. Beautiful garden and shop with, among other things, abbey beer.

Vaucelles Abbey is a former monastery of Cistercian monks. Founded in 1131 by Saint Bernard himself.

Vue of the canal as you ride over the top.

Magnificent paved area in superb condition. It is uphill coming from Lesdain and is about 1000m long.

Pretty well rolling gravel greenway.

Splendid view, maximum astonishment when arriving there! 😍