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Royaumont

The abbey of Royaumont was founded in 1228 by King Louis IX, future Saint Louis. The monastery imposing dimensions are a reminder of its royal origins, while its secluded lake-side setting is in keeping with the recommendations of the Cistercian order. Enjoying close ties with the political authorities, the abbey was frequented, among others, by King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, and has never been allowed to run down. Occupied by monks up to the time of the French Revolution, it was later used as a cotton-mill, then as a convent in the late 19th century. In 1905, it was acquired by the Goüin family, and since 1964 has been the property of the Royaumont Foundation which is today a cultural centre of international repute. The abbey of Royaumont is the best-preserved Cistercian abbey in the Ile-de-France. All the abbey buildings have survived with the exception of the church, which was destroyed during the French Revolution. Today's visitor can see the monks building, the ruins of the abbey-church of which an astonishing turret remains, France largest cistercian cloister, the sacristy which houses the Foundation collection of medieval sculptures, the former kitchens (which now house an unusual 14th century Virgin suckling the infant Jesus), the monks' refectory and, finally, the building used for the latrines, traversed by a canal.