The lay brothers' building

This building, which is not open to individual visitors, is separated from the western cloister gallery by a narrow lane. The lay brothers lived apart from the monks, performing most of the everyday chores and ensuring that the monks were not required to be in contact with the outside world. This role disappeared at the end of the Middle Ages and during the classical period the building was re-built as a residence for abbots and their guests. The abbey palace at Royaumont, built at the end of the ancien régime, stands behind the building. It is visible from the Viarmes road (D909 departmental highway).