Centre des monuments nationaux

Come and discover the Cistercian abbey at Beaulieu-en-Rouergue in the valley of the river Seye, its 13th-century Gothic church, and collection of contemporary art. 

Visiting the Beaulieu-en-Rouergue abbey 

• A Cistercian abbey. The abbey buildings were added to in height in the 17^th century, and give onto the park. Together with the lay chapel on the banks of the river Seye, they provide a fine example of the Cistercian spirit and its harmony with nature. The pillars in the chapter house are in a sober style and fan out like palm trees. They are decorated with polychrome geometrical patterns. 

• A Gothic church. The sobriety of the abbey church is typically Cistercian. It is lit by tall ogival window bays and opens onto the cloister area, which was demolished in the late 18^th century. 

• A contemporary art collection. Works by Michaux, Dubuffet, and Vieira da Silva that are representative of Lyrical and Informal Abstractionism are on display, as are works by regional artists. Every year the Beaulieu cultural association organises a temporary themed exhibition with the support of the Centre des monuments nationaux. 

Understanding the Beaulieu-en-Rouergue abbey 

• A second life for the abbey. During the French Revolution, the abbey was sold off as a national property and was partly demolished. Art lovers bought the abbey in 1963 and a major restoration programme was carried out with the aid of the State. In 1973 the owners gave the building and their art collection to the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques et des Sites, now the Centre des monuments nationaux. 

• A living collection. The original collection that was donated has been added to by gifts and acquisitions made by the Beaulieu cultural association.