A Retreat to the Mondaye Abbey

After spending weeks based in Bayeux building World Travelers Today’s network for tours and trip designs in Normandy, I needed a break from months of work. I was in search of a place to recharge the batteries and a place that was secluded from a city. The small village of Juaye-Mondaye was the perfect spot and I couldn’t be happier with my two-night stay at the Ferme Manoir Saint Barthelemy.

The Abbey Church

Abbey Church photographs were taken by Samuel Garza with World Travelers Today.

My first stop was the Saint-Martin of Mondaye Abbey Church. The church is famous for the Brothers of Premonstratensian Choir. They are well known for their chants and you can visit their website for times and dates. The Abbey was founded as a hermitage but was later converted into a church in 1200. It is also the only Premonstratensian house still active in France. The Abbey has been witness to a lot of drama over several centuries. It changed hands multiple times between several French and English owners during the Hundred Years’ War. Over a third of the population in the area was killed due to the Black Death. The Abbey also experienced a complete burning and sacking by the Huguenots in the 16th century. However, from 1704 to 1763, the Abbey went through a total reconstruction.

Library and Shop

While walking through the Abbey grounds, I ran into the Abbey Shop. The shop has several beautiful souvenirs and local food products for purchase. Some of the crosses I saw in the shop were beautiful and were locally made.

The Abbey Grounds and Garden

The Abbey grounds are beautiful and well maintained. I enjoyed walking around and taking pictures of the garden and other historic buildings.

World Travelers Today’s Video on the Mondaye Abbey

Video created by Samuel Garza with World Travelers Today.

Stay at the Ferme Manoir Saint Barthelemy

Ferme Manoir Saint Barthelemy photographs were taken by Samuel Garza with World Travelers Today.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, I highly recommend the Ferme Manoir. The beautiful manor was highly recommended to me by my friend in Bayeux, Alex with Bajobreak. Bajobreak offers several apartments for different-sized travel groups. Alex did not disappoint with his recommendation. I stayed at the manoir for two relaxing nights. The owner is Patricia Saunier and her husband. Patricia and her family have updated the manoir for the past 20 years and it is looking like it was recently built. Parts of the manoir date back to the 13th century. I recommend reserving your stay well in advance. Normandy is a very popular destination from April to October, therefore booking in advance can guarantee a spot at the Manoir and with Bajobreak. Patricia can also organize a dinner for you and your travel group. The dinner will offer local cuisine, cider, and calvados. I had an amazing experience at the manoir.

The Abbey Mondaye is worth visiting and it should be added to your itinerary when visiting Normandy. To learn more about the Abbey, watch the video above.

If you would like for me to custom-design your trip to Normandy, please contact me to learn more.

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