Abbaye Pontigny

Founded in 1114, the Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny has been an important part of the Yonne landscape and history for over 900 years. Over the centuries, it has seen it all, from its darkest days to its most glorious. In the 12th century, it had a worldwide reputation as the head of 44 daughter abbeys.
Today, under the impetus of the François Schneider Foundation and a number of local enthusiasts, it is at the heart of an ambitious programme focusing on the earth.
In this unique project, the earth will be expressed in all its forms: as a material to cultivate, as a material to create, to think about, to build on, but also as a material to explore.

You can visit the site on your own, on a guided tour or with the help of the sound journey L'ESPRIT DES LIEUX.
Equipped with a narrator and headphones, (re)discover the exceptional Abbey of Pontigny in a different way. This immersive sound journey, a real film for the ears, goes back in time and brings the Abbey back to life over the centuries: you'll meet its historical figures, its monks, the craftsmen who built it, Queen Adèle, the English archbishop Thomas Beckett, the intellectuals who gathered for the Decades... Thanks to the original script, performed by actors and musicians, and the high quality of the spatialized sound, you'll have a memorable experience. History awaits!

NEW FOR AUTUMN 2025!
Escape Game The Abandoned Boarding School
You've got 60 minutes to explore the premises, solve a series of riddles, handle objects and complete your mission. Be curious, cooperate, explore... and above all, don't waste a second.

RESTAURANT - TEA ROOM
The Gardener's House
This friendly place celebrates a Burgundian speciality: the gougère.
It is home-made, just like the other pastries. Most are made with ingredients from local farms and artisans who share our values: respect for nature and its resources, respect for the land and those who work it, and respect for pure, simple taste.
Continuous service every day from 10am to 6.30pm (5.30pm in winter).