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Founded in 1101 where the regions of Poitou, Anjou and Touraine meet, Fontevraud Royal Abbey is the largest surviving monastic city from the Middle Ages. It owes its importance to the Plantagenets, and to close ties with Eleanor of Aquitaine. Queen of France and later of England, her reclining funerary effigy is today the centrepiece of the abbey church, alongside those of Henry 2nd and Richard the Lionheart.
FROM AN ABBEY DEAR TO KINGS / TO ONE OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS PRISONS
The abbey was a very unusual establishment, run by an abbess but welcoming both men and women. Dear to many kings, over seven centuries the abbey hosted numerous nobles of royal descent, until the French Revolution turned out all the monks and nuns. Napoleon transformed Fontevraud into one of France’s harshest prisons, a role that it maintained until 1963.
FONTEVRAUD TODAY / THE CONNECTED 4 STARS HOTEL
At the heart of the royal abbey, Fontevraud L’Hôtel perpetuates the art of hospitality in magnificent surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The recipient of many international awards, the hotel pairs elegant understated design with a celebration of the abbey’s history. L’art de vivre and the tranquil setting combine to create a unique experience.
ROOMS / FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT
The hotel’s 54 rooms in a former priory, designed by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, are a cosy refuge: high-quality bedding, elegant contemporary furniture that has been produced with respect for the environment – all made especially for Fontevraud L’Hotel. Each guest receives an iPad via which they can access hotel services and can find out about the abbey and its surroundings. Amongst the options on offer for dining is Bocuse d’or prizewinner 2013, Thibaut Ruggeri’s restaurant, serving a contemporary, sensory, unembellished cuisine. His mantra: Combining the good and the beautiful!
For more information: http://www.fontevraud.fr/en/
Contact : Fatimata BAILLY
Director of Sales & Marketing
Tel. +33 (0) 2 41 53 38 35
Mobile. +33 (0) 7 86 16 09 62
Email: f.bailly@fontevraud.fr
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