Celles-sur-Belle Abbey, Celles-sur-Belle, France

Celles-sur-Belle royal abbey was founded in 1137. It was rebuilt in the 15th century and destroyed by Huguenots in 1568. The current abbey was reconstructed between 1660 and 1685 on the orders of Louis XIV.

Overlooking both the Belle Valley and beautiful French-style gardens, the majestic 17th-century convent buildings in the Louis XIV style house a museum where you can see the Abbot's room, a recreated monk's cell, and collections of religious objects and ecclesiastical clothing.

User Reviews

Chesca (2 years ago)
Peaceful and beautiful, worth a visit!

Rania Ibrahim (2 years ago)
It's one of the nicest places I visited in France ??

Véronique Nicky AFATA (2 years ago)
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George Nott (5 years ago)
Great visit with audio guide.

Mick Halpin (6 years ago)
Lovely Abbey in extensive grounds. Plenty to see inside, individual head sets so you can visit at your own pace. Motor bike museum is an add on tour. Interesting bikes but all in poor condition and coved in dust. (If you likes bikes the Museum in Melle is well worth a visit). The grounds are free to visit and really beautiful. Lots to keep the children happy, the fish in the pond are huge. Worth a visit. (Check opening times)

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Celles-sur-Belle Abbey

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