The Abbey Where It All Began

How to Complete

3 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. ⛰️ 1

   Buy Cheese From Living Monks

   adventure $

   The abbey shop sells cheese made by the monks using medieval techniques.

   The abbey shop (La Boutique de l'Abbaye) is in the reception building. Buy the Abbaye de Cîteaux cheese - a washed-rind soft cheese that monks have made for centuries. The round wheel costs ~€8-12. Ask if any monks are working in the back - sometimes they come out.

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2. 📜 2

   Find the Medieval Library Remains

   history Free

   The monks who mapped Burgundy terroir worked here - find what survives.

   The original 12th-century buildings were destroyed in the Revolution, but the 15th-century library wing survives. Walk past the shop toward the inner courtyard. The arched windows on your right are from the original scriptorium where monks documented their viticultural observations.

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3. 📜 3

   Attend a Monastic Mass

   Optional

   history Free

   The monks still hold Gregorian chant services daily.

   Mass is held in the chapel daily (check website for times - typically 7:30am, 11:45am, 7:00pm). Gregorian chant in the founding abbey of the Cistercian order. Dress modestly, arrive 10 minutes early, and sit in the visitor section on the left.

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