Royaumont Abbey
Cistercian·France·Cultural centre and tourist attraction·13th century
Royaumont Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey located near Asnières-sur-Oise, France, built between 1228 and 1235 with the support of Louis IX. Dissolved during the French Revolution, it later became a voluntary hospital during World War I and is now a cultural center and tourist attraction managed by the Royaumont Foundation.
Key Facts
- ›Founded between 1228 and 1235.
- ›Supported by King Louis IX of France.
- ›Served as a voluntary hospital during World War I (Hôpital Auxiliaire 301).
- ›Became the first private French cultural foundation in 1964 (Royaumont Foundation).
- ›Has been used as a filming location and hosted concerts, including Pink Floyd.
- ›Its sacristy, cloister, and refectory remain intact after the Revolution.
Sacristy, Cloister, Refectory, Royaumont Foundation
Louis Ix, Vincent of Beauvais, Frances Ivens
Construction Supported By Louis Ix, Dissolved During the French Revolution, Served As HôPital Auxiliaire 301 During Wwi, Creation of the Royaumont Foundation, Pink Floyd Concert
About Royaumont Abbey
Royaumont Abbey is a significant former Cistercian monastery situated near Asnières-sur-Oise in the Val-d'Oise department of France, approximately 30 kilometers north of Paris. Its construction, which spanned from 1228 to 1235, was notably supported by King Louis IX, who also decreed that royal children were to be interred there.
History and Transformation
The abbey flourished for centuries before its dissolution in 1791 during the French Revolution. While parts of the structure were repurposed, its sacristy, cloister, and refectory survived. In the early 20th century, the property was acquired by the Goüin family, leading to the establishment of the Royaumont Foundation in 1964, marking it as the first private French cultural foundation. This transformation repositioned the abbey as a vital center for arts and culture.
Notable Roles and Events
During World War I, Royaumont Abbey served a critical humanitarian role, operating as a voluntary hospital, Hôpital Auxiliaire 301, from 1915 to 1919. It gained recognition for its treatment of soldiers, particularly those from the Battle of the Somme. The abbey's historical buildings have also found a place in popular culture, serving as a filming location and hosting significant musical events, including a performance by Pink Floyd in 1971. Today, Royaumont Abbey continues its legacy as a cultural hub and a popular tourist destination, welcoming visitors to explore its historic architecture and engage with its vibrant artistic programming.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Royaumont Abbey built?
Royaumont Abbey was built between 1228 and 1235. Its construction was supported by King Louis IX of France.
What happened to Royaumont Abbey during the French Revolution?
The abbey was dissolved in 1791 during the French Revolution. Some of its stones were used to build a factory, but the sacristy, cloister, and refectory were preserved.
Did Royaumont Abbey play a role in World War I?
Yes, from January 1915 to March 1919, the Abbey was converted into a voluntary hospital known as Hôpital Auxiliaire 301. It was operated by the Scottish Women's Hospitals under the French Red Cross and notably treated soldiers from the Battle of the Somme.
What is the current function of Royaumont Abbey?
Today, Royaumont Abbey serves as a tourist attraction and a cultural center. It is managed by the Royaumont Foundation, which was established in 1964.
Are there any notable figures associated with Royaumont Abbey?
Yes, King Louis IX supported its construction, and the 13th-century encyclopedist Vincent of Beauvais was a brother there. Miss Frances Ivens, the Chief Medical Officer of the WWI hospital, was also a significant figure associated with the abbey.
Related Monasteries
La Clarté-Dieu
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Maubuisson Abbey
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Port-Royal-des-Champs
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