Eight centuries of history have shaped the abbey.
The historic monument bears traces of the many different uses to which it has been put over the years, and today continues to require special attention and painstaking upkeep. The Foundation’s investments are focused on restoring the historic monument and supporting the activities that take place there. Its goal is to conserve and enhance the heritage site and pass it on to future generations while at the same time meeting the constantly evolving needs of its users.
Major restoration work carried out in 1990 and 2000 was overseen by Pierre-André Lablaude (†), Architecte en chef des Monuments Historiques (chief architect of historic monuments).
During the comprehensive restoration of the latrine building in 1992 and 1993, the North and South galleries and Rafter and Turret rooms were converted into venues for a wide variety of activities.
The refectory and the monks’ kitchen were comprehensively restored in 2001 and 2002.
The restoration work covered the stained glass, reader’s pulpit, arches, walls, facades and south wall. Radiant heating was also installed and the floor of the former refectory was covered with 40,000 tiles made according to 13th century methods. Here one can admire and hear the majestic Cavaillé-Coll
organ, listed as a historic monument, which has also been fully restored.
Between 2008 and 2009, the roof, buttresses and staircase of the former kitchen building were restored to house the François Lang Music Library on the second floor and to create six studios for artists.
The lay brothers’ building has undergone several renovations since 1995, during which the roof, fireplaces and woodwork were restored. In 2010, the buttresses, drainage system and large attic were restored and in 2014, a major refurbishment was carried out in the lay brothers’ refectory in order to open it to the public.
Between 1986 and 2010, the cloister was also restored and upgraded in several phases covering the arcatures, buttresses, vaults, drainage system, terraces and barriers.
In 2016, in a project overseen by François Chatillon, Architecte en chef des Monuments Historiques, the monks’ building underwent an unprecedented renovation of its frame, roof, windows, facades and buttresses; and its residential facilities – including the entrance hall, bedrooms, kitchens, elevator, storage rooms and heating system – were renovated and extended.
Investments
€38.1 million invested since 1977
– €15.1 million in restoring the monument
– €3 million in acquisitions
– €20 million in equipment and development
69% of these investments were made over the past 20 years
€26.2 million invested since 1998
