Abbaye de Jumièges

Description:

Introduction

The Abbaye de Jumièges is among the most iconic and beautiful ruins in France.  It is locted in the Seine valley near the lovely 'Boucles de la Seine' about 28km (15m) west of Rouen. The Abbey is on the right bank of the Seine and accessible by the ferry crossing at Port-Jumièges.  The Abbey is in a beautiful pastoral setting surrounded by gardens and lawns. It is well worth a visit.

Originally founded in the 7th century, the Abbey was rebuilt in the 10th and 11th centuries by the Dukes of Normandy and reconsecrated in 1067 following the conquest of England. It remained a Benedictine monastery until the French revolution and was saved from complete ruin in 1852.

Although in ruins, the abbey is still enormously impressive especially the colonnaded nave now open to the sky, the vaulted chapel, the tall octagonal towers guarding the entrance porch and the vaulted passage called the Passage Charles VII named after a visit of the king.