Description:

Abbaye de l'Escaladieu, Bonnemazon, Hautes-Pyrenees

The Abbey was founded in 1142 by Cistercian monks from Capdur that wished to found their own monastery.  It became an important stop over point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella.

The abbey closed in about 1830 and since 1997 has been owned by the Conseil General des Hautes-Pyrenees, who have opened the site to visitors and regularly hold concerts, conferences and exhibitions.

It is well worth a visit to see how the monks would have worked and lived, plus there is often an art exhibition being held in the Abbey to have a look at.  The grounds are also a nice area for a stroll.

There is a café almost next to the Abbey and a restaurant in the village of Bonnemazon, less than a mile from the Abbey.

Oct-Apr: Daily 9:30-12:30 and 1:30-5:00.  Closed Tuesdays. 
May-Sept: Daily 9:30-12:30 and 1:30-6:30

Entrance : 3€
free for pilgrims, students, children under 16, and handicapped persons

Check out Guide2MidiPyrenees for Property in Midi-Pyrenees, Events, News, Classifieds, Places to Stay, Midi-Pyrenees Attractions and Business Directory.