Beaulieu-en-Rouergue Abbey
In the footsteps of our heritage
discover a cistercian abbey
Beaulieu-en-Rouergue
Former 12th-century Cistercian abbey, the Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue has become the setting for an exceptional modern art collection in dialogue with a garden of a thousand roses. Pure and elegant, it impresses with its clarity and sobriety, typical of the Southern Gothic style. The Brache-Bonnefoi collection includes over 1,000 works (paintings, drawings, etc.) by 151 different artists, including Vasarely and Hentaï.
balance between heritage & nature
History of Beaulieu Abbey
Belloc Abbey, a “Beau lieu”, was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, then modified in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The choice of location was no accident... The presence of water was fundamental to the creation of canals and fishponds. The building is typical of Cistercian architecture, and respects the humility and sobriety typical of this order. Part of the abbey was dismantled during the French Revolution and moved to Saint-Antonin.
In 1953, art collectors Geneviève Bonnefoi and Pierre Brache discovered the abbey. After extensive restoration work, an art center was inaugurated in 1970. Today, it is one of the most important collections of modern art in Europe.
Visit
Beaulieu Abbey
The abbey is open to the public all year round, except January (excluding school vacations).
You can discover it at your own pace thanks to the open house accompanied by explanatory documents in five languages, or opt for one of the guided tour of the site's history and the remarkable Brache-Bonnefoi collection of modern art, presented in the former monks' dormitory.
Throughout the year, during Zone C school vacations, we offer creative and educational workshops are available for children to explore and have fun at the same time.
Finally, from June 1 to September 30, a restaurant/tea room is available on site. Enjoy lunch or a gourmet break in pleasant surroundings, either indoors or on the shady terrace.
Overview
Visit rates :
Single price €9 (self-guided or guided tour),
Free for :
- Under-18s.
- Young people aged 18 to 25 (nationals of European Union countries and regular non-European residents).
- Disabled people with a "disability" card and a companion.
- Jobseeker (upon presentation of proof of less than 6 months' employment).
- Valid Education Pass.
- The first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December.
Opening hours :
From 1er February to May 31 - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday
Guided tours at 10:30 am and 3 pm.
From 1er June to September 30 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Guided tours at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4 pm.
From 1er October to the end of the Christmas vacations - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday
Guided tours at 10:30 am and 3 pm.
Year-round entertainment :
Beaulieu-en-Rouergue Abbey offers educational workshops for children every Wednesday during the school vacations (zone C), as well as a program of events throughout the year. Discover the program here !
A multi-activity site
Services
- Free on-site car parking, bicycle reception
- Visitor assistance for disabled visitors
- Shaded terrace, snack bar, café, tearoom
Restrictions
- No smoking
- Flash prohibited indoors
- Second floor not accessible to strollers
