Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois, Picardy Travel Guide

The Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois, located in the Oise region of France, is a captivating historical site with architectural significance. Founded around 1080, the abbey has evolved through centuries of change, with its most prominent features dating back to the 13th century. The abbey was first established either by a group of independent monks or by the regular canons of Saint Augustine; the Jesuits were also present in the abbey between 1675 and 1772.During the Hundred Years' War, the abbey suffered significant damage, leaving only the surrounding wall, a conventual building, and the church. Rebuilt in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, only the fortified gate and some agricultural buildings remain from this period. The church, however, stands as a remarkable example of Gothic architecture from the mid-13th century in northern France. Notably, the church lacks a nave, highlighting the 12th-century choir attached to the radiant Gothic style. The apse, resembling a vast seven-sided glass cage, is particularly striking.Inside the abbey church, visitors can admire several noteworthy features. These include the stalls, representative of late Middle Ages stall art, and the 16th-century painted wooden pulpit adorned with the emblem of Saint Augustine. The mural paintings, discovered in 2003 and dating back to the late 15th century, add another layer of historical depth. The abbey's high vaults, reaching approximately 27 meters, draw comparisons to the choir of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Beauvais.Today, the Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois is a classified historical monument that attracts researchers and tourists alike. While the church no longer holds regular services due to parish consolidation, it remains a testament to the region's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Guided tours are available for groups, providing insights into the abbey's history and architectural details.