The Abbey of Our Lady of Autrey
Autrey Abbey,
a gem to discover
In this concise guide, you will discover the abbey's millennia-old history, remarkable architecture, and artistic treasures. You will receive practical advice for organising your visit, spotting the unmissable points of interest, and fully enjoying this remarkable site, with complete peace of mind.
Types of visits
You can choose between guided tours, family tours, thematic walks and self-guided exploration. Guided tours generally last 45–60 minutes; thematic walks can take up to 90 minutes. Prices range between €5 and €12, and advance booking is recommended 48 hours ahead for groups of more than 10 people. Sessions in English and German are scheduled at weekends; group sizes are limited to 20 people to preserve the spaces.
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Guided tour | 45–60 min, max 20 pers, FR/EN/DE, approx. 8 €. |
| Family visit | 30–50 min, interactive workshops for 6–12 year olds |
| Thematic trail | Monastic history or sacred art, 60–90 min, by appointment |
| Autonomous exploration | Audioguide in 6 languages, 18 stations, approx. 50 minutes |
- Guided tour
- Family visit
- Thematic trail
- Autonomous exploration
Guided tours
You book a guided tour lasting 45–60 minutes (typical times: 10:30 am, 3:00 pm on weekends) where the guide details the Cistercian architecture, discusses the foundation in the 12th century and the 1985 restoration, and presents the listed library. Groups of more than 20 people are split; tours in English or German may incur an additional charge of €2 per person. Booking online or by phone 48 hours in advance.
Autonomous exploration
You can take an audio guide available in six languages with 18 numbered stops; the recommended route is 1.1 km long and takes approximately 50 minutes. A map is provided at reception or via the free app; each station offers archive photos and enhanced commentary via QR codes. Short and long loops adapt to your pace and accessibility needs.
To optimise your self-guided tour, start with the abbey church, then follow the numbered plaques from the cloister to the chapter house. Allow 50–60 minutes if you listen to all the commentaries and consult the digitised archives. Bring headphones and an external battery for your device, respect the no-flash photography areas, and visit during off-peak hours to avoid school groups. Remember to download the app before you arrive; it offers offline maps, detailed plans, and additional audio commentaries.
Tips for visiting
Allow 90 minutes for the guided tour and book your tickets online to avoid queues; check Mass times (Sunday 10 am) and temporary exhibitions (April–October).
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early for the north car park (50m).
- Opt for closed shoes on stone floors.
Practical advice: the shop accepts cards and cash, and the paid parking costs €3 for the day.
Beste Besøgstider
Opt for April-June and September-October for gardens in bloom and mild weather; avoid July-August if you're seeking peace, as guided tours can draw over 100 people on some days. Weekday mornings (9am-11am) offer the best light for the crypt and fewer crowds; note that Sunday mass at 10am restricts access to certain areas, so plan accordingly.
What to Bring
Bring comfortable shoes, a 1–1.5 L water bottle, a camera without a flash, a €2 coin for the cloakroom, and your student card if you are entitled to a reduced rate; pack a lightweight windbreaker in spring and a hat in summer for outdoor tours.
For delicate rooms, avoid large bags (>40x30 cm): the cloakroom holds luggage for €2 and protects the historical textiles. Consider a 10,000 mAh power bank if you're filming the 30-minute guided tour, reading glasses for the 28-page brochure, and covering clothing (shoulders and knees) if you're attending a religious ceremony.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Visit
Follow these steps: choose the season (spring or autumn for gardens), book your guided tour at least 48 hours in advance, allow 1.5 hours for a self-guided visit or 2 hours for a guided tour, bring comfortable shoes and a camera, and check for any exceptional closures on the official website.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| When to go | April–October for flowers and events; November–March quieter visits. |
| Duration | Self-guided tour ≈ 1h30, guided tour ≈ 2h. |
| Reservation | Book 48 hours in advance for groups or guided slots. |
| Access | Car recommended; on-site parking; train + taxi ≈ 30 min from the nearest station. |
| Equipment | Comfortable shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather, camera without flash in sensitive areas. |
Access
By car, you'll find on-site parking; by train, allow approximately 30 minutes by taxi from the nearest station; bus routes occasionally serve the village, so check regional timetables and plan a transfer if your train is not direct.
Prices and opening hours
Standard ticket €6, reduced ticket €4 (students and seniors), free for under-12s; indicative opening hours: April–October 10am–6pm, November–March 10am–5pm, last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Guided tours often have fixed departure times (e.g. 11 am and 3 pm at weekends) and groups of over 10 people can benefit from a group rate upon reservation; payment is accepted in cash and by card, and times may be subject to change for public holidays or events — always check the official page or call before travelling.
Factors to consider
When you visit, please consider the seasonal opening hours (often 9 am to 6 pm in summer, reduced in winter), guided tours limited to 20 people, and conservation conditions which restrict access to certain rooms. Check the prices (general admission, student/group reductions) and allow 1 to 2 hours for the entire site. Afterwards, consult the availability of liturgical performances or temporary exhibitions, which may affect access.
- Seasonal opening hours and public holidays
- Guided tours and capacities
- Prices, reservations and exhibitions
Accessibility
There is public parking approximately 150m from the entrance and a paved path of about 200m; some surfaces remain uneven, so consider suitable footwear. An access ramp serves the main building and two disabled parking bays are located near reception, but access to the attic and cloisters may be limited for motorised wheelchairs; please inform us of your needs when booking to arrange assistance.
Photographic policies
You can take private photographs without flash or tripod in most areas, except in the sacristy and the choir chapel where photography is prohibited. Any commercial use or public dissemination requires written authorisation from the abbey, often with a fee (e.g. €30) and a mandatory credit line.
For filming, professional portraits or drone use, you must submit a detailed request at least 14 days in advance; authorisations may require supervision by staff, restricted time slots and variable fees (from €50–€150 depending on the scale). Please respect offices and sensitive objects: reproduction of protected works also requires the consent of the rights holders.
Advantages and disadvantages of visiting the Abbey Notre-Dame d’Autrey
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Peaceful setting conducive to photography and meditation | Reduced opening hours outside of the main season, sometimes limited access |
| Architectural heritage visible in 1 to 2 hours | Limited signage in foreign languages |
| Guided tours and one-off workshops (approx. 45 minutes) | Partial accessibility for people with reduced mobility |
| Cultural programming (concerts, exhibitions) | Revenue accrued during special events |
| Footpaths and green spaces nearby for walks | Parking spaces sometimes insufficient during parties |
| Family-friendly and history enthusiast experience | Certain activities require a fee or booking |
Advantages
In 1 to 2 hours you will discover well-preserved Romanesque and Gothic elements, displayed liturgical works and monastic gardens; a guided tour of approximately 45 minutes will delve into local history and anecdotes about the monks, while children's workshops make for a family visit.
Disadvantages
You may experience practical constraints: limited opening hours, signage primarily in French, and restricted access for some wheelchairs, which makes visiting difficult if you rely on public transport or have specific needs.
To mitigate these inconveniences, check the schedule on the abbey's website or with the tourist office before visiting; booking is often recommended for groups (e.g. >10 people) and for workshops, and having a car remains the most reliable solution to guarantee your arrival and nearby parking.
Nearby attractions
Less than 3 km away, Xertigny Castle offers guided tours and a romantic park; 15 km away, Mirecourt immerses you in the art of violin making at the Museum of Violin and Bow Making; about thirty kilometres away, the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park offers trails and panoramas. You can combine heritage, crafts and nature in half a day or a full-day excursion.
Other historic sites
12th-century rural chapels and 16th–17th-century manor houses dot the routes around the abbey; the Musée de l’Image d’Épinal (approx. 25 km away) exhibits popular prints, while the luthiers' house in Mirecourt (approx. 15 km away) showcases local crafts. You'll notice commemorative plaques and remarkable facades along signposted thematic routes.
Local restore options
Family inns in Xertigny (2–3 km away) serve Vosges stew, tart and artisanal charcuterie; bistros in Mirecourt offer set menus for €15–€28 and Munster cheese dishes; for enthusiasts, the Kirsch route in Fougerolles (approx. 30 km away) complements food and drink pairings. You'll also find rural restaurants open for lunch and on certain evenings.
To organise your meals, book especially for weekends; favour the set menus of the day at lunchtime (generally €12–18) and check the off-season opening hours. Kirsch tastings at a producer's must be booked in advance, and several inns can accommodate groups or offer vegetarian options on request, which is useful after visiting the abbey.
Notre-Dame d'Autrey Abbey, a gem to discover
In conclusion, the’Our Lady of Autrey Abbey reveals itself as a site where history, Romanesque architecture, and monastic tranquility come together; you will find carefully preserved heritage, remarkable works of art, and educational trails that will enrich your knowledge. Your visit will allow you to appreciate the cultural importance of this gem and to take away an experience that is both spiritual and human.
❓ FAQ – Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Autrey
The Abbey of Notre-Dame d’Autrey is located in the Vosges department in northeastern France.
The abbey is located in the Vosges (Grand Est), near Bruyères and Épinal.
What is the history of Notre-Dame Abbey in Autrey?
Founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, the abbey has endured through the centuries, maintaining its heritage and religious character.
Can we visit the Abbey Notre-Dame d’Autrey?
Yes. Independent visits are possible all year round according to the opening periods, and guided tours can be offered according to the schedule.
What activities does the abbey's website offer?
In addition to the discovery of the monument, the site includes remarkable gardens, exhibitions and occasional cultural events.
How long should I allow for the visit?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours, depending on interest in the architecture, history and gardens.
Is the abbey suitable for families?
Yes, the visit is suitable for families. The gardens appeal to adults and children alike.
What are the opening hours and admission prices?
Times and prices vary depending on the season and events. Please check the official website for up-to-date information before your visit.
