In the heart of the Forêt de Lyons,Mortemer Abbey is a medieval gem not to be missed. Founded in the 12th century in the narrow Fouillebroc valley, it was the first Cistercian abbey in Normandy. Its walls, now in ruins, continue to tell incredible legends.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Mortemer Abbey near Lisors in Normandy.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Mortemer Abbey worthwhile?
Yes, Mortemer Abbey is well worth a visit for several reasons:
- Founded in 1134, it was the first Cistercian abbey in Normandy.
- The site is a formidable immersive experience thanks to its animations and historical re-enactments.
- The setting is absolutely magnificent, with forests, ruins and ponds, not to mention the historic Chemin des Ducs de Normandie.
In our opinion, it’s one of the 10 most beautiful abbeys in Normandy.
What you can see
The Abbey Palace
The first thing you see on arrival is the departure of the west wing of the abbey palace. A late 18th-century building which we were unable to enter on our visit. Yet it is home to richly furnished rooms such as the Arcade Room, the Antiphonary Room, the Dining Room and the Chapel.
The museum of legends and ghosts
The site has a reputation for being haunted! The abbey’s basement also houses a museum dedicated to its legends and ghosts. Several rooms have been converted to stage the many tales and legends associated with the abbey. There’s no doubt that it will delight all those, young and old, who love to scare themselves. Find out more here.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The dovecote
Opposite the south wing of the abbey palace, we admired the dovecote and its remarkable chestnut wood frame. It was used to feed the abbey’s inhabitants and visitors. Don’t miss the band of justice that runs around the building, as the father who ran the abbey was also a justice of the peace, dispensing justice for petty theft.
The ruins of the abbey church
We loved theromantic atmosphere of the abbey ruins. The weather was blue on the day of our visit, but we loved imagining the place in misty weather, on a night with a full moon. The white lady, Mathilde, whose legend you will learn when you visit the museum, almost appeared to us!
Remains of the transept
Some of the old abbey walls are still very high. The one that impressed us most was the one in the transept of the abbey church. It still seems to reign over the site, like a guardian of the temple, despite the assaults of time, the elements and history.
The east wall of the cloister
The cloister galleries have disappeared, leaving only a small brick section to the north, which we didn’t photograph. The high wall still standing on the east side features multiple openings that are now open to the sky. This was the monks’ dormitory.
The 3 bays of the chapter house
We loved the access to the cloister garden from what was once the chapter house. The visitor trail passes through 3 bays. The middle one serves as a passageway, while the other two have retained their Gothic facings.
Not much remains of the abbey church’s great nave. We wandered between the ruins of the pillars, trying to imagine the original building and its vault above our heads.
The park and ponds
The park is magnificent. The nearby forest and two successive ponds make for an extremely pleasant and peaceful visit. As you stroll through the park, you’ll have access to the recently opened ” Chemin des Ducs de Normandie” (Dukes of Normandy Trail ), which features sculptures of these eminent figures.
WHERE TO STAY IN Rouen
Option 1: in the old town center
A charming historic heart, museums and attractions around every corner… We recommend..:
- Gustave Flaubert Literary Hotel with lots of quotes – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel de Bourghteroulde set in a 16th-century residence – see prices, photos and availability.
Option 2: near the station
Just a 10-minute walk from the historic center, you’ll find more modern options. We recommend..:
- Blu Radisson Hotel next to the Jeanne d’Arc Tower – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel de Dieppe Best Western and its Art-deco ambience – see prices, photos and availability
Mortemer Abbey in Lisors: how to get there
Where to find the abbey
- In the commune of Lisors
- Rouen to Mortemer: 50min drive
- Évreux to Mortemer: 1h drive
Access by car and parking
Access by car is easy via the D715 from Lisors. There is a shaded parking lot at the entrance to the site.
Public transport access
We advise you to come by car. There is a bus network in the area, but you’ll be limited in the number of times you can get to Lisors. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
The grassy floor of the park is uneven and there are steps inside. However, the official website states that it is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Find out more here.
There are toilets on site.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Visit Mortemer Abbey: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The abbey is open daily from 1.30pm to 6pm, from early March to early November.
Rates:
- Adults: €8.50
- Free for children under 2
See all the latest info and prices on the official website here.
How long
Allow 45 minutes for the buildings and more if you’re exploring the park and forest.
Best moment
The light is always prettier at the end of the day, but we’re in Normandy. Above all, we advise you to check the weather forecast before your visit.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for visiting the abbey site, but we recommend you start inside. Find out more as you explore the ruins.
Visiting with children
In addition to the workshops offered by Mortemer Abbey for school groups and extra-curricular activities, you can attend the Nuits des Fantômes… For the more adventurous! We advise you to make a reservation. Find out more here.
Eating out
Picnics are permitted in the Abbey grounds.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
