Parcours de visite de l'Abbaye de La Chaise-Dieu

Come and live an amazing experience! Discover the tour route of La Chaise-Dieu Abbey and immerse yourself in 1000 years of history thanks to an immersive scenography with your audio guide or accompanied by a guide. www.chaisedieu.fr

The discovery trail offers:
- the "lodge of Clement VI" in the old kitchens which restores the historical context of the construction of the current abbey church, marked by epidemics, wars and instability. Use of optical and sound design theaters
- the recently restored Gothic cloister of which 2 galleries remain
- the Gothic abbey church which is full of treasures such as the 15th century fresco called "Danse macabre", the 144 carved oak stalls surrounding the marble tomb of Pope Clement VI and adorning the monks' choir separated from the nave by a Flamboyant Gothic rood screen of great style, the great organs and their carved case of 17th century angel musicians...
Please note: the church cannot be visited on Sunday mornings due to religious services. It is a parish church where celebrations (weddings, baptisms or funerals) and events (organ concerts or other) can take place all year round, which may lead to the closure of the place to visitors at any time...
- the historial of the builders with a presentation of the history of the abbey and part of the treasure
- the 14 Flemish tapestries from the beginning of the 16th century, a real national treasure classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, completely cleaned and restored, presented to the public in optimal lighting conditions in the Chapel of Notre Dame du Collège, rediscovered during the works of the building called "Echo Wing"
- the new scenography of the "Danse macabre" to explain in a fun way this unique fresco on the universal theme of death involving the characters of medieval society in a funeral farandole...
- the echo room with amazing acoustics where secrets have been whispered in the corners for so many years...
For children, a discovery booklet is available to visit the site on request.
Costumes are also available to the public to enjoy the experience in total immersion.

Visits can be made with audio visio guide included in the entrance fee or with a paper document. Visiting time: about 2 hours

Thematic guided tours are offered with a tour guide by reservation on 04 71 00 01 16 (€6 in addition to admission) duration 1h30:

- “Essential” visit of the abbey:
From the Saint-Robert abbey to the echo room, passing through the cloister, you will discover in particular the 14 Flemish tapestries, a real national treasure.

- "Thematic" visit to the tapestries of La Chaise-Dieu:
Between the history of the order, weaving techniques, materials used and comments on the iconographic themes. Discover essential lighting to understand this remarkable work.

- “Thematic” visit to the 2024 Robert Doisneau exhibition “Fingers full of ink” from June 01 to September 29.

In order to better prepare your visit, we thank you for informing yourself on 04 71 00 01 16 beforehand.

The audioguide and the visits offered by our guides are complementary

• Clientele: Welcoming school groups, Special family with children, Special rate for large families, Special rate for disabled people, Special rate for job seekers, Welcoming groups, Special rate for students
• Environment: Public transport stop within 500 m, Lake or body of water within 5 km, Bus stop within 500 m, Village center
• Adapted tourism: Adapted services for hearing impairment, Adapted services for mental impairment, Adapted services for visual impairment, Magnetic loop available at reception, Presentation of the place accessible to visually impaired people at reception, Reception staff aware of reception of people with disabilities

• Exhibition
• Guided and / or commented visit
• Visit with a digital medium

• Français

• Parking nearby
• Show room
• Toilets
• Shop
• Tourist information
• Guided tours

• Bank / credit card
• Cheque
• Classic Holiday Vouchers
• Cash
• Bank transfer
• Culture Check