Clairvaux Travel Guide

..Clairvaux is to be found 15 km from Bar sur Aube in the heart of the old Gallic forest. It was here that Saint Bernard came to prepare the land in a clearing at Val d'Absinthe 8 centuries ago on 25th June 1115, for the construction of the famous Abbey where he would live until his death on 20th August 1153. Today, interminably long walls in successive rows forbid all views of the remains of the glory of another time. Clairvaux is one of the best-guarded important buildings in France.

Nevertheless privileged visitors who manage to penetrate the walls, will discover that this enclosed town is the possessor of many architectural treasures. True, the great Abbey Church no longer exists having been demolished at the beginning of the XIX Century. However, a few walls of Clairvaux I (the Monasterium Vetus of 1115-1135), the splendid lay building of Clairvaux II (1135-1708) and the huge Classical Cloister of Clairvaux III -(1708-1792) still remain.

The Renaissance Association of Clairvaux Abbey organises public visits to the Abbey every Saturday from May to October, at 1.45p.m., 3.15.p.m. and 4.45p.m. precisely (identification obligatory). However, due to the location of the site, notably concerning security, it is better to make inquiries beforehand at the "Hostellerie des Dames", Telephone : 33 03 25 27 88 17 Fax : 33 03 25 39 02 54

Likewise there are two Clairvaux monastic "barns" to visit : the Cellar at Colombé-le-Sec (XII Century) and the Cornay Cereal Barn (XVI Century) plus the Cisterian exhibition at Ville sous la Ferté Church.