Fontevraud Abbey: Night time encounter with Eleanor of Aquitaine.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- The Fontevraud Royal Abbey is over 900 years old. Europe's largest monastic site, Fontevraud has had many lives, reinventing itself through centuries of turmoil.
I told the story of this exceptional site in November of 2021 and filmed the grounds in the daytime. The video is linked below.
Even if the site wasn't crowded then, I promised myself I'd return to enjoy it at night, alone (I hoped.) In April 2024, I was able to do exactly this by spending a night at Fontevraud l'Ermitage, the spectacular 4-star property on the abbey grounds.
My evening at Fontevraud (and private encounter with Eleanor of Aquitaine) was all I had hoped for and more.
In this new virtual tour, I take you inside the renowned church, necropolis of the Plantagenêt dynasty as it sits completely empty on a beautiful night in April.
Follow the tour guide!
For more Fontevraud Abbey sights, my original live-streamed tour: • Abbaye de Fontevraud
NB: The "Gothic Angevin" architectural style mentioned in the video is more evident in other religious buildings in the Anjou region like the Angers cathedral. Characterized by cross-ribbed vaults and curved, domelike vaults it appeared in the second half of the 12th century. The church we visit at Abbaye de Fontevraud dates back to an earlier part of the 12th century and was built (and restored) in the Romanesque style.
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What a marvelous tour you have given us, Vero! I visited Fontevraud in 1974 and again in September 2023 and was thrilled each time by its magnificence. The grounds and buildings are beautiful by day, and when we returned for dinner the softly glowing buildings were so evocative of centuries past. Our meal at the abbey restaurant was based on menus from ancient abbesses, and everything we tasted was delicious. Service was warm and welcoming. Such a treat, in such sublime surroundings. To Eleanor, sleep well through the ages with our respect.
To be alone in that space with the history and the truly magical light must have been absolutely thrilling. You are so kind to share this moment with us. Thank you, Vero.
Magnificent church and grounds. The history is so interesting. From ransacked to prison to absolute beauty. Merci for sharing. Most enjoyable. 😊
My husband and I have had the privilege of visiting this abbey twice. I had to make the pilgrimage for the first time 28 years ago, because of my fascination and admiration of the Plantagenet dynasty, especially Elinore’s central role in it. We again visited two years ago, when that much more of it had been restored and added to. The museum of art is magnificent. The rooms most often have a modern piece in juxtaposition to an ancient piece to demonstrate the continuity of concept and theme. The church maintains a spiritual aura, with its magnificent architecture, whiteness and, not least, the recumbent figures of some of Europe’s most powerful people. If you visit the Loire Valley, do not miss this abbey. Merci, Vera, for another stunning video!
Thank you for your wonderful and informative video that is allowing us to see and experience something that most of us will never get the opportunity to see for ourselves.
So tranquil and lovely in the evening. How interesting that abbesses were responsible for it for 700 years or more !
Yes, women were in charge! Imagine that!
Merci beaucoup! What a wonderful tour!! Thank you so much!!
Magnifique! You are truly a gifted history teller and educator. This was so educational and interesting. You should have been nominated for WIBA France 2024 Awards for Best Éducation Influencer! 🥇
Merci beaucoup. I don't like the word "Influencer" as you know but if it comes with the word "Education" next to it, I guess that's all right ;-)
She was the grandmother of Europe but also, as an American, I am related to her through both of her marriages (at least 4x related). Many thanks for this terrific tour.
Absolutely loved this tour, Vero! One of my favorites, if not my favorite. Merci beaucoup!
Fantastic! Your informative video wonderfully captured the peaceful and reflective experience of staying at the abbey.
Such a special place! Merci!
Bonjour from Minnesota! Merci for this video! I've been to the abbey, and I love Queen Eleanor! My favorite woman in history! WOOHOO!
Pardon me, but the last Plantagenet monarch was Henry IV who ruled England from 1399 to1413, and after whom came the Lancaster and York houses.
Thank you for the correction! I should have been more clear and mentioned King John was the last of Eleanor's sons to rule England. :-) At least I did say Eleanor's bloodlines can be traced all over Europe :-)
Really enjoyed this Véro. Such a special place. Always appreciate you sharing historical information about France.
Avec plaisir. Fontevraud is indeed a special place and my stories only scratch the surface.
This was fantastic as usual, Vero! Your voice during the tour made it seem like the holy place it once was and being alone there at night made the entire experience spiritual to me. Thanks again !
These historic grounds work their magic on visitors who will listen. Easier to experience spiritual vibes at night when visitors are gone I think. I was very lucky to be able to do this.
Merci Vero pour cette incursion fascinante dans l’histoire de cet Abbaye. Alienor d’Aquitaine a eu une vie remplie d’événements extraordinaires. Je connaissais l’histoire, mais de l’entendre et la vivre en solitaire dans ce lieu magnifique est une expérience que j’aimerais vivre un jour. Magique.
😮how interesting and informative. Definitely a special video. Bravo !
Merci beaucoup MJ. I feel this way too (and I have filmed quite a few of those since 2020 as you know...)
Merci beaucoup pour cette excellente visite guidée. Quel endroit magnifique!
I very much enjoy your videos. Thank you!
Un vrai régal de vous suivre et d’apprendre tant de détails passionnants sur l’histoire de France. Une visite en solo comme vous avez eu le privilège de la faire a un caractère unique. Il faudra que je mette Fontevraud sur ma « bucket list » lors de mon prochain voyage au pays. Passer une nuit dans un 4 étoiles sera la cerise sur le gâteau !!! 😊
Wow, it’s lovely at night ! We visited in 2015 and the hotel was just at it’s inception . Thanks so much for this visit and sharing the history 💖
I hope you get to return to the hotel (and restaurant) one day. They provide a special experience too.
Wow!! It was so extremely cool to see all this at night, with no one around. Thanks for a great tour.
Yes it was. What an opportunity. I expected a lot when I stayed overnight but not to be completely alone inside the church and on the grounds.
Bonjour Véro
Dans mon cours de français 3 Honneurs, j'ai abordé le sujet des femmes "activistes" influentes du Moyen Âge qui ont laissé leur empreinte en France, notamment Éléonore d'Aquitaine. Votre vidéo que j'ai partagée s'est révélée très instructive et enrichissante, et mes élèves l'ont vraiment appréciée. Un grand merci !
Happy to hear it!
Aliénor d'Aquitaine, de langue et culture occitane. Merci.