The abbey church

Cistercian monks from Clairvaux founded an abbey in 1136, near Bruère-Allichamps, a marshy copse some 40 kms south of Bourges in today's department Cher and close to the geographical centre of France. The church was consecrated in 1146 and completed in 1160.

The abbey church

The sobre but graceful architecture of the church reflects the Cistercian ideals of the 12th century.

The abbey church towards the west façade

Overview of the cloister from SW

While the church was completed by 1160, the cloister was built between 1270 and 1350.

The cloister

The cloister seen from the chapter house

The cloister

Linden alley

The abbey park with its magnificent row of 29 linden trees, planted some 300 years ago, and one of the oldest extant tree alleys in France.