Abbaye de Fontaine-lès-Dijon Maison Natale de Saint Bernard
Birthplace of Saint Bernard, this former castle is now a basilica, offering unique candlelit tours and beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unique candlelit tours
Abbaye de Fontaine-lès-Dijon Maison Natale de Saint Bernard
Best Time
Unique candlelit tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Birthplace of Saint Bernard, this former castle is now a basilica, offering unique candlelit tours and beautiful gardens.
"A huge thank you for this beautiful candlelit tour! I highly recommend it."
✨ Book Evening Tours
These summer evening tours are highly recommended for their unique atmosphere and engaging storytelling.
🌿 Enjoy the Gardens
The beautiful gardens offer a tranquil escape and are perfect for a picnic before or after your visit.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 79 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Candlelit Evening Tour
Experience history come alive with a playful, humorous narration and a stunning a cappella Salve Regina performance.
Birthplace of Saint Bernard
Altar area
See the sacred altar and the very spot where Saint Bernard and his siblings were born, a deeply moving historical site.
Medieval Keep and Gardens
Wander through the ancient medieval keep and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Tours: A Magical Experience
Explore History and Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Book Evening Tours
These summer evening tours are highly recommended for their unique atmosphere and engaging storytelling.
🌿 Enjoy the Gardens
The beautiful gardens offer a tranquil escape and are perfect for a picnic before or after your visit.
⛪ Visit on Sundays
The main building is typically open for visits on Sundays, offering a chance to see historical interiors.
🎶 Don't Miss the Music
The a cappella Salve Regina performance during evening tours is described as magnificent and moving.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Book Evening Tours
These summer evening tours are highly recommended for their unique atmosphere and engaging storytelling.
🌿 Enjoy the Gardens
The beautiful gardens offer a tranquil escape and are perfect for a picnic before or after your visit.
⛪ Visit on Sundays
The main building is typically open for visits on Sundays, offering a chance to see historical interiors.
🎶 Don't Miss the Music
The a cappella Salve Regina performance during evening tours is described as magnificent and moving.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Abbaye de Fontaine-lès-Dijon for its unique and moving summer evening tours, highlighting the playful narration and magnificent a cappella music. The historical significance as Saint Bernard's birthplace, combined with the beautiful gardens and medieval architecture, makes for a thoughtful and recommended visit.
"A very interesting and unusual evening summer tour.
Relic of Saint Bernard visible!
Life of Saint Bernard recounted in a playful and humorous way by the abbot of the Fontaine-les-Dijon basilica.
A huge congratulations for the Salve Regina, magnificently performed a cappella!
A huge thank you for this beautiful candlelit tour!
I highly recommend it."
lucie harrault
"This magnificent and moving castle residence, now a basilica, is where Lady Ayled gave birth to Saint Bernard and her other children.
It has a medieval keep and a more recent dome.
Inside, you'll find the altar and the place where the children were born, as well as two vaults donated by the kings who had their wishes granted: Louis XIII and his wife, I believe.
The main building is not always open to visitors, but it includes a moving stately bedroom.
The whole building is surrounded by a beautiful garden, bordered on one side by the castle's old fortifications.
I highly recommend a thoughtful visit to this place."
D L
"View from the heights of Dijon from the birthplace of Saint Bertrand"
Run Dmc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Abbaye de Fontaine-lès-Dijon is located near Dijon. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is a common option. The journey offers views from the heights of Dijon.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but visitors often find it a pleasant drive. Consider checking local parking options upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main building is generally open for visits on Sundays. Special candlelit evening tours are available during the summer.
For the popular summer evening tours, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially for the musical performances.
Yes, the evening summer tours are a highlight, featuring a playful recounting of Saint Bernard's life and a 'magnificent' a cappella Salve Regina.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can see the altar, the birthplace of Saint Bernard and his siblings, and vaults donated by kings. The stately bedroom in the main building is also a moving sight.
No, the main building is not always open. It's typically accessible for visits on Sundays, but check for specific opening times.
This is the magnificent castle residence and birthplace of Saint Bernard, a significant figure in religious history. It also has a medieval keep and was formerly associated with the Feuillants.
While specific rules aren't detailed, it's generally advisable to be respectful of the religious and historical nature of the site. Check for signage upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the abbey itself. However, the gardens are noted as a nice place for picnicking.
Yes, the gardens surrounding the basilica are described as a nice place for picnicking, making it a great option for a casual meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens and the exterior of the medieval keep offer picturesque views. The candlelit evening tours also provide a unique photographic opportunity.
Photography rules inside religious and historical sites can vary. It's best to look for posted signs or ask staff for guidance to ensure respectful photography.
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