Abbaye Notre-Dame des Dombes

L’Abbaye de Notre Dame de Dombes is a Cistercian abbey built in red brick that was completed in 1863 and designed by Pierre Bossan the same architect who designed Fourvière Basilica in Lyon and the basilica in Ars-sur-Formans.
The Abbey of Notre Dame de Dombes in addition to being a beautiful structure designed in the neo-byzantine style also sits on 200 hectares of prime agricultural land. This land has been exploited by the abbey’s Cistercian monks for nearly 150 years and produces a range of farm products. These include honey, fruit, beef, cheese and the famous ‘Musculine’ which is made according to a traditional recipe and is said to have many health benefits. The abbey also has a workshop that produces beautiful religious icons. All these products are on sale in the abbey’s shop as well as other souvenirs. The Notre Dame de Dombes Abbey is open to the public all year round every day except Tuesday and there guided visits available (French only) by reservation at the Dombes Tourism Office.