Opening days and hours

Open from mid-March to 11^th November, from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 (open on Monday in July and August). On Sunday and public holidays from 15:00 to 18:30. Closed on 3^rd September.

Rates

Adults: €6.00
Children (from 7): €4.50
Group (adults): €5
Group (children): €4

Address

Hameau de Vaucelles

F-59258 Les rues des vignes

Contact

Anne Lagoutte
Tel.: +33 (0)3 27 78 50 65
Fax.: +33 (0)3 27 78 57 80 a.vaucelles@wanadoo.fr

Tip

Cistercian architecture jewel. The largest Chapter House in Europe nestling in a bosky bower.

Situated 12 km away from Cambrai and 24 km from Saint-Quentin, the Vaucelles Abbey is one of the prestigious monuments of the North of France. Erected in 1145, the edifice is 80 metres long and 18.50 metres large. It comprises 4 different rooms. The salle des Moines (Monks room) was used as communal room or scriptorium, which activity was one of the most traditional inside a monastery. Father Cellérier allocated the everyday work to the various people involved in the building works from the auditorium or parlour built in 1155. The Chapter House dated 1175 is the abbey masterpiece and the largest Cistercian Chapter House in Europe. When the bell rang, monks went through the sacred passage to dress the choristers with white cowls before reaching the church choir to sing the divine office.

Restored since 1971, it now houses numerous artistic manifestations and can be visited all year long.

Website

www.vaucelles.com