Ambronay Abbey: stunning music within venerable walls

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Bons plans

- Free leaflet available at the reception of the Cultural Center, presenting tourist information.
- Birthdays at the Abbey for 5 to 11 year olds.
The children spend a playful and educational afternoon, conducting activities on the site. Possible all year round.
Price: 90 € for 15 children - booking required.

#MagicalMoment!

Silence falling as the first notes of the ancient music ring out from the choir…

Présentation

The village of Ambronay near Ambérieu-en-Bugey, just 45 minutes north of Lyon, was built up around its abbey, founded under the reign of Charlemagne. Visitors happily hang around in the cloisters, admiring the architecture while listening to the sounds of classical music resonating off the arches.

The Benedictine Abbey of Ambronay, a token of History

Gothic in style, majestic in character, the abbey enjoyed sovereignty for many centuries, commanding a vast territory, before being placed under the protection of the Count of Savoy. Since 880, the time of its construction, the abbey has witnessed an eventful past through different regimes and a variety of roles. This has left its mark on the abbey, giving it the unique feel of those special places where one likes to retreat for a few hours, surrounded by ancient stone walls. Consequently, life in Ambronay never vacated the walls when the monks left, and art now breathes a new lease of life into the grounds.

The Cultural Meeting Centre, where Baroque music takes centre stage

Ambronay now enjoys international renown as the meeting place for Baroque music lovers and experts who have been coming here for the September music festival since 1989. At the end of summer every year, the church sees the biggest names in early classical music take to the stage, inspired by a central theme, such as “Metamorphosis”, “Myths and Mysteries” or “Celebrations”. The festival also includes masterclasses, conferences and workshops as well as listening sessions so that those who are new to Baroque music can discover this musical world and appreciate its charm.

Listen to an excerpt from the concert in the abbey’s Gothic church

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Practical information

Opening hours

From 02/01 to 30/06, daily between 9 am and 4 pm.

From 01/07 to 31/08, daily between 9 am and 6 pm.

From 01/09 to 31/12, daily between 9 am and 4 pm.
Closed exceptionally on December 25th.

Prices

Free access.
Group rate available for > 35 people.

Services and amenities

  • Pets welcome
  • Wi-fi

Facilities

  • Play area
  • Picnic area
  • Car park

Payment methods

  • Bank/credit card
  • Chèques Vacances

Activities

  • Children's entertainment

Languages spoken

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Year-round activities in Ambronay Abbey

The Ambronay Cultural Meeting Centre offers a whole host of activities throughout the year, including guided and family tours, sensory and musical tours, Baroque music and dance workshops and art classes, including sculpture, photography, calligraphy and the art of staining glass. Discover the musical world of the in-house artists at one of the informative rehearsals or musical meetings.

“Site-seeing before our lunch”

“While in Ambronay we could not miss the Abbey. Worth the detour as one is wont to say. There was going to be a concert in the church that evening so it was a bit cluttered and hard to take good photos. Will have to come back another time.” Reviewed 3rd October 2016 by Gerald U

“Quiet place”

“Ambronay is a beautiful village and the abbey signifies its historical mark in the area. It is good to visit during a concert.” – Reviewed 31st August 2016 by Katch C

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Wednesday 07 June 2023
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