5 reasons to visit Valloires Abbey
Valloires Abbey is a well-preserved Cistercian foundation from the 12th century. It is located in the small village of Argoules a few kilometres from the Bay of the Somme in the authie valley. It is the only Cistercian abbey of the 18th century in France.
History of Valloires Abbey
In 1138, the first monks of the Cistercian order arrived in Valloires. The site was built in the same year, after Guy II de Ponthieu had obtained planning permission. The congregation of Cistercian friars stayed there for over 600 years. After the church was burnt down, it was rebuilt on 5 September 1756, and since the reconstruction in the 18th century, the abbey church has taken on a new look, with wood panelling, paintings and sculptures in the decoration.
The Abbey garden Cistercian of Argoules
Set in grounds of around 8 hectares, the garden is the most dominant feature of the site. Several centuries separate the construction of the abbey and the gardens, but today their combination offers a spectacular view. More than 5,000 species of plants and flowers different, neat and multicoloured are planted in the Valloires garden.
At the foot of theAbbeyIn this area, a large space is cut into squares with a surface area of 25m2 each. This was built to recall the vegetable gardens that the monks used to plant in the past. Indeed, in the Middle Ages, the monks of Valloires were one of the strongest settlements in the northern region. Another French garden is surrounded by the four galleries.
The plants in this huge garden are arranged by similarity rather than species for the pleasure of the eye.
The interior of the church in Valloires Picardie
There are many interesting things inside the church. For example: discover the works of the Austrian Simon Pfaffenhoffen with the neoclassical style of the large façade. The confessional, the sculpted organ case and the pulpit are also his work. The "double reading" choir railings, gilded on both sides and separating the nave from the rest of the building, were made by the ironworker Jean Baptiste Veyren. The choir is decorated with panelling and stalls carved with the high altar in black marble decorated with two angels in gilded lead, topped by a wrought iron Eucharistic suspension in the shape of a palm tree.
Activity at Abbaye Valloires de la Baie de Somme
This Cistercian abbey with contemporary gardens is a exceptional siteThere are a number of activities you can enjoy during a weekend or a longer stay on the estate.
Take a tour and take pictures
The landscape of this historical monument was redeveloped 25 years ago. Today, the site is a picture-postcard setting in the middle of farmland. Visit tourists come in search of calm, relaxation and peace. A visit here will help you get away from it all. The photos you take during your visit will remind you of the good times you've had. Valloires Abbey can be visited by individuals, groups or schools.
Restaurant La table du jardinier at the Abbaye de Valloires
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, La Table du Jardinier is well worth a visit. Located in the grounds of Valloires Abbey, this restaurant offers stunning views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. The cuisine is also excellent, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you're looking for a romantic setting or an interesting place to take friends, La Table du Jardinier is definitely worth a look.
Organising a concert, wedding or other function
The domain has a reception room that can accommodate various activities and receptions such as group meals, weddings, christenings and seminars. You can also organise a film shoot or a recording. Private concerts are also available.
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Many memories are attached to this superb place....My aunt worked with Miss Papillon and her brother. Is there still a short-stay nursing home for the elderly? And a home for children in difficulty? Does it now belong to the Picardy Regional Council, which is responsible for its management?
Hello,
Thank you for your emotional message - Valloires Abbey is indeed a place steeped in human history as well as heritage.
Regarding your questions:
- A rest home for short stays by the elderly and a home for children in difficulty were part of the abbey's past, particularly when it was run by social or religious associations. These activities no longer seem to be active today, as the abbey has turned its attention to heritage, tourism and culture.
- It is currently managed by the Fondation Abbaye de Valloires, in partnership with local authorities and a number of patrons. The abbey no longer depends directly on the Conseil Régional de Picardie (now part of the Région Hauts-de-France), although the latter does support certain projects.
For precise information or archives on this period, it would probably be best to contact the Fondation de l'Abbaye de Valloires directly, who may be able to help you.
Thank you again for your kind words!