The Abbey Where It All Began

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1

   Buy Cheese From Living Monks

   adventure Price: low

   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.

   Log Memory
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.

   Log Memory
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.

   Log Memory

Insider Tips

• The cheese pairs magnificently with village-level Burgundy - buy both at the shop

• Combine with Clos de Vougeot (20 minutes away) for a full monks-to-vineyards day

• The grounds are peaceful for a post-wine-tasting reflective walk