Readings

We have selected various books which may interest you if you'd like to learn more on the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, or discover this historical monument from another perspective. All of these publications can be found in the shop located on the ticket store level of the Royal Abbey.

First up, if you'd like to learn about the founder of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, Robert d'Arbrissel, and the circumstances that led him to this work, the reading "L'étonnant fondateur de Fontevraud, Robert d'Arbrissel" by Jean-Marc Bienvenu, will prove indispensable.

Afterwards, if the life of Aliénor d'Aquitaine, an especially fascinating person, is of interest to you, "Sur les pas d' Aliénor d'Aquitaine" by Amaury Chaou is one of the most detailed publications on the subject. Discover the darker aspect of her personality with the comics series "Aliénor, la légende noire" in four tomes by Arnaud Delalande, Simona Mogavino, and Carlos Gomez. 

If you prefer novels, the Miracle de la rose by Jean Genêt is a touching and essential read that allows you to dive into the Fontevraud of the prison period. An exposition fully dedicated to that period and also accessible during your visit.

Among the numerous publications of Revue 303, a prestigious cultural journal dedicated to the Pays de Loire, two are of particular interest. The first, titled "Abbesses de Fontevraud", is dedicated to the thirty-six women that were abbesses of the Royal Abbey. The other one, "L'Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud", takes a look at the monument in its entirety through twenty-two articles edited by experts.

First of all, we recommend "Le Moyen-Âge expliqué aux enfants" by Jacques Le Goff which, as the name indicates, allows for a simple comprehension of this historical period that is both fascinating and evocative for youngsters.

L'Art gothique by Isabelle Cahn and Olivier Morel is both educational and fun as it presents the main principles of this architectural wave that first appeared in the 12th century, and which left its traces on the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, notably in the Saint-Benoît chapel and the church of the Saint-Lazare priory.