Since its foundation around 1140, the Cistercian abbey of Notre-Dame de Melleray has been a place of silence, prayer and spiritual welcome, today inhabited by the Catholic community of Chemin Neuf.
The rich architecture reflects the abbey’s 900 years of history:
the refined beauty of the Cistercian abbey church,
to the quiet level of the welcoming porch (both 12th century);
the silence of the cloister (19th century),
until the refined charm of the classified salons and the staircase of honor (XVIIIe).
The visit introduces you to the mystery of the life of the Cistercian monks, from the 12th to the 21st century, and allows you to discover the community of Chemin Neuf that inhabits the place today. A 20-minute film presents the daily life of prayer and work at the abbey.
The abbey’s shop offers products of monastic handicrafts, natural cosmetics, and the productions of the abbey’s orchard.
Tasting and direct sale of the products of the abbey’s agro-ecological garden and vegetable garden: honey, apple juice and jams
▪ "In the world of bees": Presentation of beekeeping, one of the activities of the abbey. The history of the abbey with bees dates back to its foundation in the twelfth century by monks having discovered a providential honeycomb, or "honey ray", which gave its name to the abbey of "melleray".
"Live Stones": guided tour through the 900 years of history of the abbey, 15h, 16h and 17h.
"On the way to agroecology": guided tour of the agroecological garden-garden, cultivated by the young religious of the community in the spirit of Laudato Si', the letter of Pope Francis on integral ecology. 15h,16h and 17h
For guided tours: €4/ adult , free for children under 12, 12-18, students, job seekers €2
On Saturdays and Sundays, at 18:00, prayer service for Peace sung by the community in the church.