Abbaye Saint-Philibert

Built by the monks fleeing Noirmoutier in the face of the Norman invaders, to house the relics of their holy founder Philibert, the Tournus abbey church is one of the most prestigious sanctuaries of early Romanesque art. Remarkably well-preserved, its pink and ochre stones dominate the town of Tournus on the right bank of the Saône. It is a masterpiece on the road to Compagnonnage. The interior of the abbey is astonishing for its size, the height of the vaulted ceiling, the light in the nave and the great nave, the slender pillars and the vaulted ceiling formed of transverse cradles. The abbey church houses a crypt and the chapel of Saint-Michel. Medieval mosaics depicting the zodiac are now visible. Connected to the church by the parlor, the abbey buildings include the cloister, chapter house, refectory and cellar.
Audioguides, souvenir booklet and detailed books on the Abbey on sale at the Tourist Office.
No visits on Sunday mornings.