Ruines de l'abbaye de Saint-Maur (Parc de l'Abbaye)

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés

Established fact: this Benedictine abbey, founded in 639 (under the regency of Queen Nanthild), received in 868–877, on the orders of Charles the Bald, the relics of Saint Maurus transferred from the abbey of Glanfeuil to keep them out of reach of Viking raids; demolished after 1750, it has left the Tour Rabelais (c. 1358, listed as a monument historique in 1924) and archaeological remains listed in 1988, now incorporated into a public park. According to local tradition, a pilgrimage linked to miracles attributed to Saint Maurus (cures of gout and epilepsy) grew up around the site and lasted until the 16th century. Legend also has it that a statue of the Virgin, commissioned from the sculptor Rumolde in 1068, was found miraculously completed "without hands" in the workshop — an account set down by the chronicler Regnault de Citry in 1328.

Abbaye de Saint-Maur — Wikipédia ↗

Getting there : Free access to the Parc de l'Abbaye (public garden), 1 rue de l'Abbaye, 94100 Saint-Maur-des-Fossés; RER A, Saint-Maur–Créteil or Parc de Saint-Maur station; regular guided tours (Journées du Patrimoine heritage open days)

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound