Abbaye de Saint-André-le-Bas de Vienne
About This Museum
Tucked away in the heart of Vienne, the Abbaye de Saint-André-le-Bas isn't just a museum; it's a serene time capsule where you can almost hear the whispers of medieval monks. Its true heart is an exquisite 12th-century cloister, one of the oldest in France, where every carved capital tells a story. The collections here feel wonderfully intimate, focusing on the local religious and artistic life that thrived within these ancient walls. Wandering through, you get a profound sense of stepping directly into a quiet, contemplative past.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is the cloister itself with its unique historiated capitals depicting biblical scenes and mythical beasts. You'll also find beautifully preserved Merovingian sarcophagi and a remarkable collection of Carolingian liturgical furniture that speaks to the abbey's early importance.
Visitor Information
It's located on the Place du Jeu de Paume, perfect for combining a visit with exploring Vienne's other Roman treasures. Don't rush—the magic here is in sitting for a moment in the cloister garden and simply absorbing the centuries of history.
Architecture & Building
Primarily Romanesque, centered around that breathtaking cloister with its graceful arches and intricately sculpted columns, all built from warm, local stone.
Contact & Location
Address: Place du Jeu de Paume, Le Temple, Vienne, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France métropolitaine, 38200, France
Phone: +33 4 74 78 71 06
Website: Visit Website
