Abbaye d’Aubazine
Abbaye d’Aubazine
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
162 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
65
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Herman B
Ranst, Belgium39 contributions
Jul 2019
You can visit the abbey, with a guided tour, done by voluntary people, twice a day. The best you can do is call the tourist office to find out the starting time. Even making a an extra kilometer makes sense to listen to the history of the abbey. The tour is like you are experiencing the dayky life in the place
Written August 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carole K
Greater Wellington, New Zealand9 contributions
Oct 2018
I live in France and we generally take visitors to Aubazine, but they all remark as to how sad the place is. The locals are friendly but to drive there to see the square, monastery( when open,) and Le canal Des Moines, is not worth the effort. However, the windows of the church, coupled with the knowledge that Coco Chanel was a boarder and learnt to stitch in the school, then our visitors are happy
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GioRSchg
1 contribution
Jan 2018 • Family
My mother was hidden there as a Jewish girl during the holocaust, together with other Jewish girls and their mothers.
We were told how the abbot and her deputy and the priest manipulated the 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich to think that the place is their alley, making events for them, while there were Jewish in next building.
The abbot and her deputy got Righteous Among the Nations form Yad-Va-Shem.
Bredoux Sister Marie Gonzague) and Berger Marie-Therese - brave woman
We were told how the abbot and her deputy and the priest manipulated the 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich to think that the place is their alley, making events for them, while there were Jewish in next building.
The abbot and her deputy got Righteous Among the Nations form Yad-Va-Shem.
Bredoux Sister Marie Gonzague) and Berger Marie-Therese - brave woman
Written December 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globalartlover
Washington, D.C.134 contributions
May 2018
Guide was very patient and informative. Interesting history and beautiful medieval sculptures. The abbey is located in a lush valley. We would have liked to walk to the Monk's Canal but weather did not permit. would like to return and highly recommend.
Written June 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GCW56
Priziac, France270 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
A fascinating abbey in a lovely hill top town. First of all check opening times as in season there are only two visits a day, although the church will be open.
The Abbey is inhabited by a small community Greek catholic persuasion. Our visit was given by the priest, a very learned and charming man. He guides with great knowledge and humour mixing information about the site and its spiritual origins as well as its history over time. This is a long tour, over one and a half hours, but the time slips by and you never tire of listening and seeing.
The Abbey has seen many communities over time, but two names stand out in recent times: Coco Chanel,an orphan housed in Aubazine, and above all Mother Marie-Gonzague, Righteous among the Nations (yad vashem) who housed Jewish refugees under the very nose of the occupier.
The Abbey is inhabited by a small community Greek catholic persuasion. Our visit was given by the priest, a very learned and charming man. He guides with great knowledge and humour mixing information about the site and its spiritual origins as well as its history over time. This is a long tour, over one and a half hours, but the time slips by and you never tire of listening and seeing.
The Abbey has seen many communities over time, but two names stand out in recent times: Coco Chanel,an orphan housed in Aubazine, and above all Mother Marie-Gonzague, Righteous among the Nations (yad vashem) who housed Jewish refugees under the very nose of the occupier.
Written June 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian C
Cahors, France27 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
The village of Aubazine is pleasant enough. The countryside is beautiful. The region is worth visiting. Aubazine has the remains of a large Cistercian Abbey. The church is freely open and inside is an exquisite 13th century tomb of St. Etienne and some extremely ancient glass windows, though plain in style.
The abbey is famous for having a canal of small dimensions which in medieval times carried water for a considerable distance to the abbey. It is possible to walk along part of it, though to get to the most scenic part is a fair old walk
Guided tours to the inhabited part of the abbey are on offer and here I must give good warning. The Nun who led our guided tour would wear the patience of St. Etienne or any other passing saint. Not one thought, one idea, one element that passed through that nun's head was left untold. The capitals of the columns (quite plain) were square because they represent the earth. The round columns were round because they represent the heavens. No boring nonsense was spared us. Amongst the tedium were some interesting facts but embellished with words upon words one got so tired. Her French was good - but there was just too much of it. We had hoped to find time to walk part of the said canal. But the captive audience was held for nearly two hours and frankly there was little exceptional to see in the part behind the front facades - There is a rectangular carp pool. The chapter house is OK but not exceptional and the garden is not well tended. We never had time to walk to the canal. My advice is keep your 5 euros in your pocket or just give it to charity. Avoid the nun. No doubt she felt she was giving good value, If only one could just walk around by oneself! Look at the views. Visit the church. They are worth it.
The abbey is famous for having a canal of small dimensions which in medieval times carried water for a considerable distance to the abbey. It is possible to walk along part of it, though to get to the most scenic part is a fair old walk
Guided tours to the inhabited part of the abbey are on offer and here I must give good warning. The Nun who led our guided tour would wear the patience of St. Etienne or any other passing saint. Not one thought, one idea, one element that passed through that nun's head was left untold. The capitals of the columns (quite plain) were square because they represent the earth. The round columns were round because they represent the heavens. No boring nonsense was spared us. Amongst the tedium were some interesting facts but embellished with words upon words one got so tired. Her French was good - but there was just too much of it. We had hoped to find time to walk part of the said canal. But the captive audience was held for nearly two hours and frankly there was little exceptional to see in the part behind the front facades - There is a rectangular carp pool. The chapter house is OK but not exceptional and the garden is not well tended. We never had time to walk to the canal. My advice is keep your 5 euros in your pocket or just give it to charity. Avoid the nun. No doubt she felt she was giving good value, If only one could just walk around by oneself! Look at the views. Visit the church. They are worth it.
Written September 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kourosh B
Saintes, France37 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
I discovered that this housed the orphanage that Coco Chanel was sent to after the death of her mother. So interesting to see the roots of her inspiration. The tour was in French, I do not know if English is available.
Written September 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoWhitehead
Cambridge, UK72 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
The abbey was a lot bigger - much of the nave was lost. It is fine for a free visit - not too much to see. However, the village is in a very scenic location and the nearby walks are wonderful (there are at least three we like). There is a book of walks for the region, obtainable from tourist info shops. The walks are well signposted. Also, we love the Hotel de la Tour restaurant. All in all, work a visit.
Written August 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham H
London113 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
We were in Aubazines for the goat fair (yes, really) and noticed the "Canal Des Moines" which we decided looked worthy of investigation. It's a "channel" rather than a "canal" and was used to get water to the (male) abbey hundreds of years ago. If you're reasonably fit you should have no trouble with the walk, unless you have a major problem with heights, as the path can be down to about a metre across with no fence in parts (but please note I'm not great with heights, and I felt secure the whole way). You definitely should not do this with dogs or children who might misbehave. The walk really is very agreeable, with many pleasant views until you get to the source. Quite a feat all those years ago.
Written April 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FREDERICK S
BURY ST EDMUNDS69 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
This canal used to supply the Abbey of Aubazine with water and has recently been restored with an adjoining footpath. From a nearby car park the one and a half hour return walk along the canal is absolutely beautiful with much dramatic scenery. It is closed to cyclists and because of sheer drops is not suitable for children or wheelchairs, though very small children can be carried along the hairy bits. Otherwise it is safe enough for any sensible adult used to hill walking. You will not be disappointed by the many view points. The path itself is mostly level as it follows the water course. I would recommeng as a 'must do' if in the vicinity.
Written September 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingAbbaye d’Aubazine - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Abbaye d’Aubazine
- Hotels near Abbaye d’Aubazine:
- (0.13 km) La Maison de Léontine
- (0.11 km) Le Saint Etienne
- (0.12 km) Hotel de la Tour
- (0.10 km) Vacation home La Châtaigneraie in Aubazine - 6 persons, 2 bedrooms
- (0.17 km) Hôtel Restaurant Le Saint-Etienne
- Restaurants near Abbaye d’Aubazine:
- (0.04 km) Obazine Bar
- (0.07 km) Hotel de la Tour
- (0.10 km) Le. Bercop by Carla
- (0.18 km) Restaurant Saint Etienne
- (1.84 km) Le passadou