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Abbaye de Jumièges: Normandy's Most Beautiful Ruin

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Jumièges Abbey, a window into Normandy's rich monastic past and a testament to enduring architectural grandeur.

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The Abbaye de Jumièges, founded in 654, stands as one of Normandy's oldest and most significant Benedictine monasteries. Ravaged by Vikings and wars, its romantic ruins, celebrated by Victor Hugo, offer a glimpse into Norman monastic life and architectural evolution across centuries.

A brief summary to Abbaye de Jumièges

  • Monday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Download the free 'Jumièges 3D' app for an enhanced visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive grounds and ruins.
  • Visit during the medieval festival in July for reenactments and entertainment.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Rouen, take the Astuce bus line 530 from Mont-Riboudet station directly to Abbaye de Jumièges. The bus ride takes approximately 39 minutes. A single ticket costs €2.

  • Car

    From Rouen, drive towards Jumièges via the D982. The journey is approximately 28 km and takes around 29 minutes. Free parking is available at the Base de Loisirs de Jumièges until 9:30 PM.

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Discover more about Abbaye de Jumièges

Nestled in a bend of the Seine River, the Abbaye de Jumièges presents a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Founded in 654 by Saint Philibert, the abbey quickly rose to prominence, adhering to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Its early success was disrupted in 841 when Vikings pillaged the site, forcing the monks to flee. Under the Norman dukes, particularly William Longsword, the abbey experienced a renaissance. The 11th century marked a period of reconstruction, though the abbey's fortunes fluctuated through the centuries. Charles IX visited in 1563, and the Maurists undertook significant work in the 17th and 18th centuries. The French Revolution led to the monks' departure in 1790, and the buildings were sold as national property, serving as a stone quarry from 1796 to 1824. In 1853, the Lepel-Cointet family purchased the ruins, followed by the State in 1946. Today, the Abbaye de Jumièges is owned by the Department of Seine-Maritime. The abbey's skeletal towers, reaching almost 50 meters, still evoke awe. The site includes the ruins of the Notre-Dame abbey church, a prime example of Norman Romanesque architecture, and the Saint-Pierre Church, with Carolingian vestiges. Visitors can also explore the abbot's lodge, a 17th-century building housing a collection of sculpted stones. The extensive 15-hectare park, designed in the English style, provides a tranquil setting.

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