The latrine building

A canal runs the full length of this building, which is one of the most original elements of the Abbey today. It is a demonstration of the Cistercians' ability to control water energy in the Middle Ages.

The water for the canal is channelled from two rivers over a distance of several kilometres. The canal also collects waste water from the kitchens through a secondary canal and rainwater through gargoyles.

The walls are medieval but the windows and doors were largely rebuilt in the classical period, when the prior had his living quarters on the upper floor and there was an orangery on the ground floor.

© Jérôme Johnson

Zoom on

the water wheel

This modern wheel

is a replica of the wheel

installed by the sisters

of the Holy Family

of Bordeaux;

the wheel drove the pump

that drew water from a

nearby well for distribution

throughout the abbey.

On the openings between

the arches of the vault

were installed the medieval latrines.

© Jérôme Johnson