Located in the town of Ginals between Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Beaulieu-en-Rouergue Abbey is a jewel of Cistercian architecture. Since 2022, the site has housed a rich exhibition of contemporary 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
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.
Contemporary 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 contemporary art collection now takes part in the former apartments of the owner couple. Among the famous 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
| Opening hours from October 01, 2024 to January 05, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
Open by reservation for groups on Tuesday.
Last access to the ticket office 45 minutes before the monument closes.
| Admission fees | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Individual adult |
9 € | - |
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Our territory is full of a heritage rich in history. If you like Beaulieu Abbey, our monasteries, churches and chapels will seduce you just as much! Extend your discovery of the territory with a walk in the romantic park of Loc Dieu Abbey, at the top of the bell tower of the Notre Dame collegiate church or even in secret pre-Romanesque church of Toulongergues.
