Parcours de visite de l'Abbaye de La Chaise-Dieu

The discovery trail offers:
– the “lodge of Clement VI” in the old kitchens which restores the historical context of the construction of the current abbey church, marked by epidemics, wars and instability. Use of optical theaters and sound design
– the recently restored Gothic architectural cloister of which 2 galleries remain
– the Gothic abbey church which is full of treasures such as the 15th century fresco called “Danse Macabre”, the 144 carved oak stalls surrounding the marble tomb of Pope Clement VI and adorning the monks' choir separated from the nave by a flamboyant Gothic rood screen of great appearance, the large organ and their buffet carved with musical angels from the 17th century…
Please note: the church cannot be visited on Sunday mornings due to religious services. It is a parish church where celebrations (weddings, baptisms or funerals) and events (organ concerts or other) can take place all year round, which may result in the place being closed to visitors at any time...
– the history of the builders with presentation of the history of the abbey and part of the treasure
– the 14 Flemish tapestries from the beginning of the 16th century, a true national treasure classified as Historic Monuments since 1840, completely cleaned and restored, presented to the public in optimal lighting conditions in the Notre Dame du Collège Chapel rediscovered during the work of the building called “Echo Wing”
– the new scenography of the “Danse Macabre” to playfully explain this unique fresco on the universal theme of death involving the characters of medieval society in a funereal farandole…
– the echo room with astonishing acoustics where secrets have been whispered in the corners for so many years…
For children, a discovery booklet is available to visit the site on request.
Costumes are also available to the public to enjoy the experience in total immersion.

Visits can be made with an audio-visual guide included in the entrance fee or with a paper document. Visit time: approximately 2 hours

Thematic guided tours are offered with a tour guide by reservation on 04 71 00 01 16 (€6 in addition to admission) duration 1h30:

– “Essential” visit to the abbey:
From the Saint-Robert abbey to the echo room, passing through the cloister, you will discover in particular the 14 Flemish tapestries, a real national treasure.

– “Thematic” visit to the tapestries of La Chaise-Dieu:
Between the history of the order, weaving techniques, materials used and comments on the iconographic themes. Discover essential lighting to understand this remarkable work.

– “Thematic” visit to the 2024 Robert Doisneau exhibition “Fingers full of ink” from June 01 to September 29.

In order to better prepare your visit, we thank you for informing yourself on 04 71 00 01 16 beforehand.

The audioguide and the visits offered by our guides are complementary

The course is a wandering within an 11th century Abbey equipped with several staircases.
Some rooms are not accessible to wheelchair users.

supplement thematic guided tour: €6 per person