Background

Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois: A Gothic Jewel

Discover a hidden Gothic treasure in the Oise: Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois, a historic abbey with stunning architecture and rich heritage.

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The Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois, nestled in the Oise department, is a former abbey showcasing stunning 13th-century Gothic architecture. Founded in the late 11th century, it features a remarkable chevet and a rich history, making it a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months for free entry on Sundays and to enjoy the surrounding Picardy countryside.
  • Book a guided tour in advance to fully appreciate the abbey's history and architectural details.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate details of the stalls, mural paintings and stained glass windows.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Paris, take a train to St Just En Chaussee. From there, transfer to the line 6304 bus to Mairie-Ecole in Saint-Martin-aux-Bois. The bus stop is a short walk to the abbey. The total journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes and costs between €14 and €30.

  • Driving

    From the A1 highway, Saint-Martin-aux-Bois is easily accessible. Exit the A1 and follow local roads to the village. The drive from Paris takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes and costs approximately €13-€19 in tolls and fuel. There is parking available near the abbey.

Unlock the Best of Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois

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Discover more about Abbaye de Saint-Martin-aux-Bois

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.

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