Escaladieu Abbey, Bonnemazon, France

Escaladieu Abbey was a Cistercian abbey located in the French commune of Bonnemazon. Its name derives from the Latin Scala Dei ('ladder of God'). The abbey was founded in 1142 and became an important pilgrimage stop on the Way of St. James en route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The abbey is situated at the confluence of the Luz and the Arros rivers near the Château de Mauvezin.

The abbey was continuously inhabited by Cistercian monks until 1830 when it sold to an unknown local family. In 1986, the abbey was purchased by the Conseil Général des Hautes-Pyrénées which undertook its restoration.

References:

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User Reviews

Elodie Borderon (3 years ago)
Very good visit, fun for children with a map for them and games. Warm welcome ? a good time with the family. It is an abbey which has been very well restored keeping the charm of the old and spying on more recent art.

Remi Bertrand (3 years ago)
Beautiful remains of an abbey located for centuries at the bottom of a peaceful valley. Temporary exhibitions add modernity to this ancient setting. Multimedia was used to explain the history and context of the place.

Fabien Lombard (3 years ago)
Cistercian abbey whose appearance and spirit have been admirably preserved. It is a pleasure to enter these places so rich in history where simplicity and purity are erected in cardinal value. A great visit! As for the exhibitions, they give a second life to the places but in my opinion the excessive interference of contemporary art can not fit well with the places.

lorette proroga (4 years ago)
The place is pleasant despite the outrages suffered. Very pleasant reception staff, providing information without any problem. I did not like the exhibition .... but this is a matter of taste.

Lionel Payet (4 years ago)
Nice place, interesting temporary exhibition, remarkable classified trees and an adorable old Labrador who follows you everywhere on the grounds until the river behind the old stone walls ... A nice stopover.

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Escaladieu Abbey

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