Located in the commune of Ginals between Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, the abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouergue is a jewel of Cistercian architecture. Since 2022, the site has housed a rich exhibition of modern art bequeathed by art critics and patrons Pierre Brache and Geneviève Bonnefoi.  

Diving into Cistercian architecture

Sobriety and elegance in the heart of Beaulieu Abbey

Thomas Rothe
Cloister of Beaulieu Abbey

Founded in the middle of the XNUMXth century, the Cistercian abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouergue retained some of its monastic buildings. Nestled in the Seye valley, they are distributed according to the immutable plan of cistercian monks. Contemplate them simple and clean decor, faithful to the principles of the Cistercian monks.

Browse the cellar and chapter house, Where the Gothic style is primitive there. Look up to see squat ribbed vaults. In church, admire a more slender architecture, with a single nave and stained glass windows of great clarity. Around cloister, the highlight of the show: XNUMXth century painted decorations and lapidary fund discovered during recent archaeological excavations.  

Thomas Rothe

A museum trail in the heart of the abbey dwelling

Modern art at Beaulieu Abbey

An exceptional collection to discover

In 1959, Pierre Brache and Geneviève Bonnefoi undertook the restoration of the site with the help of the State. Spanning from the 1940s to today, their art collection modern art is now taking part in the former apartments of the owner couple. Among the renowned artists, we can mention Jean Dubuffet, Simon Hantai, Henri michaux, Jean Degottex et Maria Helena Vieira da Silva. Between abstraction et matterism, gesture painting et cloudiness, let yourself be carried away by the scenography, through the thematic or monographic rooms. As a family, select your favorite works and imagine your own virtual exhibition in the church thanks to a fun device.

A bucolic and peaceful garden 

Natural escape in the heart of Beaulieu Abbey

Extend your visit to the abbey gardens. Since 2022, the convent complex has been embellished with a landscaped garden where you can have a drink. Between the building and the old trout tank, the diversity of plant species will seduce you: Lebanese cedar, catalpa, magnolia, rose bushes and perennials offer a spectacle of colors all year round. Stroll through the flowerbeds with sinuous lines among the plants, offering natural perspectives composed of a thousand scents. Take the trails surroundings and discover wild orchids, a walk punctuated by beautiful viewpoints over the monastic complex.   


Prepare your visit

From the former abbey outbuildings to the rose garden, explore the abbey spaces on a self-guided or guided tour.

Opening hours from February 01 to May 31, 2025
Tuesday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Open on Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.

Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing time
Tuesday: open by reservation for groups

Closed: May 1st

Opening hours from June 01 to September 30, 2025
Monday Open from 10 am to 18 pm
Tuesday Open from 10 am to 18 pm
Wednesday Open from 10 am to 18 pm
Thursday Open from 10 am to 18 pm
Friday Open from 10 am to 18 pm
Open on Saturday Open from 10 am to 18 pm
Sunday Open from 10 am to 18 pm

Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing time

Opening hours from October 01, 2025 to January 04, 2026
Wednesday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Open on Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.

Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing time
Closed on December 25th and January 1st
Tuesdays: open for groups by reservation

Rates Min. Max.
Individual adult – Individual rate
9 € Not disclosed
Adult group
7,50 € Not disclosed
Firm. Opens at 10:00 p.m.
Beaulieu
82 330 Ginals
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Our favorites from the visit

  • The painted fireplace of the old refectory, the library and the abbey church.
  • Works created by Simon Hantaï using the folding technique.
  • The rose garden and the pond where a swan floats.

Good deal: Multisite Advantage

With your entry ticket to Beaulieu Abbey, take advantage of discount offers to visit seven other partner sites in the destination. To find out more, visit our dedicated page.

Multisite Advantage

Frequently Asked Questions

It's the Centre des Monuments Nationaux which ensures the management, animation and opening to the public of the abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouergue.

Beaulieu Abbey is located in Tarn-et-Garonne, a few kilometers from the Aveyron department.

To find out about the abbey's cultural agenda, visit their website.

The French state has been the full owner of Beaulieu Abbey since the death of Geneviève Bonnefoi in 2018.

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