Fontevraud Abby and Chateaux around Saumur

On Saturday, we decided to go to the famous Fontevraud Abby, founded in 1101 by Father Robert, who was an itinerant preacher who set up an abbey for men and women, headed by an abbess.

When we entered the abbey, we walked down to the main church, huge and impressive.  The tourists spoke softly, even the children, perhaps feeling that they were in a sacred place.

Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II 

In the center of the church were the reclining statues which marked the tombs of Henry II of England, Eleanor of Aquitaine,  Richard the 1st of England, and Richard's wife, Isabella.  I had seen those on TV before, and it was impressive to see them in person.

Eleanor of Aquitaine is quite an interesting historical figure.  She married King Louis VII of France, went on the second crusade, divorced King Louis,  married King Henry II of England, spent years imprisoned by her husband for a revolt, and spent the final years of her life in Fontevraud Abbey.

The abbey was a Royal Abbey, under the auspices of the King.  Kings and noblemen sent their children there to be educated.  There were up to 800 nuns and monks there.  They were largely self-sufficient, raising almost everything that they needed.  It was a sizable village in and of itself, with a village surrounding it.

This abbey was an important and prosperous place from around 1100 to the French Revolution, which closed the abbey.  Napoleon converted it to a prison.  What we see today is the result of years of archaeological work and restoration.

Fontevraud

We took a walk to the top of the hill to see the complex from above.

Chateau de Saumur

On our  way home, we stopped in Saumur and Montsoreau to see the chateaux from the outside.  We did not pay to go in.  Both chateaux sits high over the Loire river, with a commanding view.

We took a cafe break in Montsoreau, and enjoyed watching the world go by.  Montsoreau struck us as a particularly beautiful and interesting village of narrow streets and flowers.  There was even a man singing outside of his front door.

Typical roadside crucifix

We also stopped to take a close look at the Loire River.

Sunday was a rest day.  We went to church in Luigne, 15 minutes south of Brissac.  The Sunday mass is rotated among the various villages which make up the parish.  Three masses, three different priests.

Luigne church.  St Avertin is the popular local saint.