History, Heritage and Nature
Longpont, a village like no other
Nestling along the forest of Retz, Longpont is a charming and picturesque village. The name Longpont literally means “long bridge”. According to the legend, it is said that the first human settlement occurred during the Roman era and that, due to the river La Savière, the only way to reach the village was crossing a long bridge.
Though it still looks like an untouched medieval village, it was almost destroyed and bombing during the First World War in 1918. If you look carefully, you will notice some details which reveal that the village was reconstructed in the 1920’s by the way in which the limestone was cut to rebuilt the houses.
The abbey : a masterpiece of architecture
Located on the main square, the abbey is the very heart of the village and the community. The ruins of this great historical monument, originally founded in 1131 by Saint-Bernard, are a unique example of what a cathedral-sized gothic abbey looked like. The main building has unfortunately suffered over the last centuries, especially during the First World War when the Germans set it on fire while retreating in 1918. Fortunately, the vaulted room, and the cloister are still there.
Adult : 8,00€
Children (under 14 years old) : 6,00€
Free for children under 6 years old
Abbey of Longpont
2 place de l’abbaye
02600 LONGPONT
In 2024, the abbey of Longpont is open to visitors :
From April 21st until May 12th
TUES-WED-THUR-FRI : 10:00-12:30 / 14:00-18:30
SUN and bank holidays : 14:00-18:30
Pentecost weekend
Sunday 19th May and Monday 20th May : 14:00-18:30
Summer : from June 1st until September 29 th
TUES-THUR-FRI-SAT : 10:30- 12:30 / 14:00-18:30
SUNDAY and French Bank Holidays : 14:00-18:30