Founded in 1142, Boulaur Abbey depended on Fontrevrault. From its origins until the French Revolution, it was a monastery for noble girls.
All that remains of the twelfth-century convent buildings is the ground floor of the large dormitory with the chapter house and the passageway leading to the garden, in accordance with the common plan of monasteries following the rule of Saint Benedict. All that remains of the original church are some walls and a Romanesque doorway. Partly rebuilt in the 14th century, the church contains paintings attributed to the school of Giotto, whose finesse and originality of decoration make the church of Boulaur unique and a remarkable example of 14th-century art. Today it houses a community of Cistercian nuns, Their life is regulated by singing and working in the fields on a small farm, whose products they process and sell in their monastic shop (jams, pâtés, flour and cheese).
Guided tours of the abbey every day (except Tuesdays) at 11am and 4pm. Possibility of attending liturgical services sung in Gregorian chant.
Shop open every day except Tuesday from 10.15am to 12.30pm and from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.
