Just passing through the Pays d’Auge? Don’t missSaint-Pierre-sur-Dives Abbey! This jewel of 13th-century Norman Gothic will seduce you with its imposing architecture and hidden treasures. We were particularly impressed by the majesty of its two towers, which dominate the landscape, and the beauty of its exceptional medieval paving.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit toSaint-Pierre-sur-Dives Abbey.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives Abbey
Is the Abbey of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives worth it? Our opinion:
The Abbey of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives is well worth a visit. This beautiful little discovery is a perfect match for Lisieux or Caen.
Its abbey church, adjoining convent buildings, cloister and superb chapter house make it one of the most complete examples of monastic architecture in Normandy. It’s one of our top 10 most beautiful abbeys!
Why is Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives Abbey famous?
Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives Abbey is famous for its thousand-year-old history and exceptional architecture. Founded in 1011 when Countess Lesceline transformed her castle into a monastery, it soon became a major spiritual center with the arrival of Benedictine monks from Rouen.
The abbey also owes its renown to its abbey church, consecrated in 1067 in the presence of William the Conqueror. After the fire of 1106, the rebuilding process gave rise to one of the finest examples of Norman Gothic architecture, which took over a century to complete.
Our favorite
In the altar of the north transept, we spotted a remarkable bas-relief. Made of limestone, it dates from the early 16th century and comes from the former parish church, now destroyed. Two cherubs hold a cartouche depicting Christ carrying his cross. On the floor, you’ll see three mushrooms on the left and three rabbits in a burrow in the center and on the right. We found this work particularly touching in its fine execution and symbolism.
WHERE TO STAY IN Caen
Option 1: in the old town center
We recommend..:
- Hotel Best Western Plus Le moderne not far from the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel La Fontaine also near the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- B&B Les Chambres de L’Abbaye, near Abbaye-aux-Hommes – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: to Ouistreham
To sleep more in the countryside or near the beach (15 to 20min from Rouen). We recommend..:
- Hotel Manoir Hastings and its stone houses – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel La Mare Ô Poissons and its swimming pool – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: near the port or station
We recommend..:
- Campanile hotel next to the station – see prices, photos and availability.
History in brief
Here’s a summary organized by chronological period:
- 1011-1067: Countess Lesceline transforms her castle into a monastery, first for nuns, then for Benedictine monks under Abbot Ainard. The first Romanesque abbey church was built and consecrated in 1067 in the presence of William the Conqueror.
- 1106-1148: After the 1106 fire caused by Henri I Beauclerc, the church was rebuilt by royal order in 1108 under Abbot Haimon.
- 12th-13th centuries: Construction of the new Gothic edifice, which lasts over a century. The church adopts an ambulatory layout to facilitate pilgrimage, including a lantern tower characteristic of Norman Gothic.
- 14th-15th centuries: a period of turmoil, including the Hundred Years’ War, when the abbey regained its role as a fortress, before being placed under the commendation regime in 1459.
- French Revolution: Sale of the convent buildings as national property and transformation of the abbey church into a parish church.
How to get there: Abbaye de Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, Saint-Pierre-en-Auge
Where is the abbey?
The Abbaye de Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives is located at 3 Rue Saint-Benoît, 14170 Saint-Pierre-en-Auge.
- In the city center, 9 minutes’ walk from the station
- near the medieval covered market
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.
How to get there?
You can visit the abbey:
- By car: 210 km from Paris on the A13 (2h30), 250 km from Rennes on the A84 (2h30), 95 km from Rouen on the A13 (1h).
- By train: Find a train to Lisieux station (direct trains from Saint-Lazare), then take the number 4 bus from Lisieux to Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives in 40min.
Parking
Some parking spaces in nearby streets. Public parking at the gymnasium or pay parking at the train station.
DISCOVER Caen
- What to do in Caen
- Where to stay in Caen: our best hotels
- Where to eat in Caen: our best restaurants
- Caen’s best museums
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days
- Caen Castle
- Caen Memorial Museum
- Rent a car in Caen: our tips
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We advise you to come in the morning, on a sunny day, for the best light from the stained glass windows.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30 minutes for the visit. We haven’t noticed any particular difficulties with this site.
Advice on how to visit
Start from the outside, visit the church, then on the side of the convent buildings, find the tourist office sign, you’ll find the beautiful cloister.
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Visiting with children
There are no special facilities for children, but you can guide them as they discover the secrets of the church.
Schedules and rates
The abbey church is open daily from 9am to 6pm (Sundays: opening at 10am). Free admission.
Guided tours
We didn’t spot any guided tours. See the tourist office website here.
Lodging
See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives !
Catering
We didn’t test any restaurants in the town itself, but if you come on a Monday, you’ll have the pleasure of stocking up at the market held under the medieval halls!
Imposing architecture: Norman Gothic masterpiece
You can see the abbey from afar! The spires of the abbey church dominate the landscape of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, between the Caen plain and the Pays d’Auge. We were captivated by this majestic silhouette. On your right, you’ll see the South Tower or “Tour Saint-Michel”. Formerly the monks’ dovecote, this is a Romanesque tower. Its top floor and stone spire were rebuilt between 1745 and 1751 to the original design. Note the staggered blind arches, a testament to the craftsmanship of the period.
The north tower (on your left), built in the 14th century, is more squat despite its flamboyant decoration. Its upper section is lit by two elongated bays subdivided into lancets. The central section, contemporary with the north bell tower, features a large flamboyant bay on the second level. The ensemble is accompanied by a foliage decor that particularly appealed to us. The lantern tower confirms the momentum of the whole, illuminating the interior of the church at the junction of the nave and transept.
Hidden heritage: the interior wonders of the abbey church
The abbey’s choir is the setting for an exceptional late 13th-century Pré-d’Auge ceramic pavement, a rare example of the art of terracotta flooring.
Don’t miss this work of art on the floor, often overlooked by visitors.
The terracotta tiles feature alternating fleur-de-lys and fantastical animal motifs, forming a 3-meter-diameter rosette at the center of the composition. You’ll also discover the mysterious meridian line traced on the floor representing the signs of the zodiac, a secular device that is one of the few examples in France.
This line drawn in the cobblestone would encircle the earth, passing through the poles and dividing it into two hemispheres. In line with this line, a small hole has been drilled in the stained glass. When the sun passes through this hole (called a gnomon), its rays illuminate a particular zodiac sign on the ground, depending on the season. You’ll also notice the magnificently preserved 1886 organ, which still resonates during services.
Monastery remains: discover the cloister
Entering the listed cloister, we discover the remains of the mid-18th century north gallery, completed by the recently rebuilt gallery. Passing through the main entrance to the north, you enter the large courtyard where the footsteps of guests and converses once echoed. We imagined the hustle and bustle of these lively places, between the hostelry welcoming travelers, the chaplaincy distributing relief to the needy, and the chaplain’s room orchestrating this charitable organization. This rational layout particularly impressed us, revealing the wisdom of these monks who had thought out each space according to its function in their daily spiritual and community life.
The buildings of the former monastery, adjoining the abbey church, form a C-shaped cloister. At the end of the French Revolution, the monastery was sold as national property and the abbey church converted into a parish church. We particularly appreciated the soothing atmosphere. The silence that reigns in these galleries invites meditation and offers a moment of serenity.
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Frequently asked questions
What other abbeys are there in Normandy?
There are over 40 abbeys in Normandy, the most famous of which is Mont-Saint-Michel. Read our article on the subject!
What else is there to do in the area?
Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives Abbey is just a 30-minute drive from Lisieux, which has a lot to offer: discover our complete guide.
Just 13 minutes away, you can also visit Château de Crèvecoeur.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
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Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
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