Saint Nicolas Abbey is nestled in the heart of Verneuil-sur-Avre, one of the most beautiful and oldest towns in Normandy. Founded in 1627 by Charlotte de Hautemer, the abbey was home to a community of Benedictine nuns until 2001, leaving behind an extraordinary architectural and historical legacy.
The presence of the nuns can still be felt, notably through rediscovered recordings that bring their chants to life in this extraordinary place.
With its grison stone walls, glazed brick decorations, half-timbered façades, and neo-Romanesque cloister, Saint Nicolas Abbey showcases a fascinating variety of buildings and architectural styles that bear witness to Normandy’s rich history.
Abbaye Saint-Nicolas will host this summer the 2026 Contemporary Art Biennale, a major artistic event bringing together several contemporary artists in the heart of one of Normandy’s emblematic heritage sites.
Located just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paris and at the gateway to the Perche region, the abbey and its shop are open to the public from Monday through Friday from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Monday through Friday, 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Admission is free, and you can explore the cloister and ambulatory of the abbey at your leisure.
To discover the abbess's parlor and other exceptional spaces, guided tours are available by reservation.
Since its acquisition in 2009, the Normandie Sud Eure Community of Communes has been committed to preserving and passing on this exceptional heritage to future generations. A conservation program focusing on the iconic Armentières Gate and the medieval ramparts, built in the 12th century, has been underway since 2018.
