Epau Abbey
Located at the gates of Le Mans, the Abbaye de l'Épau stands between forest and town just 1.5 km from the hotel. An essential visit that will delight lovers of art and history!
This former Cistercian abbey, listed as a Historic Monument , was founded in 1229 by Queen Bérangère, wife of Richard Coeur de Lion. After the Revolution, the abbey was sold as national property to an industrialist. Until the first half of the 20th century, the various buildings of the abbey were poorly maintained.
It was not until 1958 that the Department of Sarthe became the owner of the premises and undertook major restoration work. Today, the Abbaye de l'Épau has regained its original appearance and classical music lovers flock there to attend the Festival de l'Epau and the Saison musicale de l'Epau.
Have :
- the sacristy,
- The recumbent statue of Queen Berengaria of Navarre in the chapter house,
- The rose window of the abbey,
- The dormitory above the chapter house,
- The refectory door (13th century),
- The scriptorium with cross vaults (18th century),
-
Beautiful 14th century frescoes…
To do :
- Participate in various cultural events, conferences and exhibitions….
- Attend the Festival de l'Épau which celebrates classical music every year in May...
Consult more information on visiting the Abbey of Epau
Access to the Epau Abbey from the hotel: 2 minutes by car
Changed Road
72530 Yvré the Bishop
Tel: 02.43.84.22.29
Photo credit: Epau Abbey - wikimedia commons -Selbymay-CC BY-SA 3.0
