Jumièges Abbey

Jumièges Abbey is a jewel in the Seine Valley, symbolising the influence of one of the most important monasteries in the western world. Its remains, unique in Europe, tell the story of more than a thousand years of Normandy’s history. The abbey church of Notre-Dame, the abbey’s main church, is the jewel in the crown. It is an exceptional example ofNorman Romanesque architecture. Draped in white limestone, its impressive 46 m-high twin towers dominate the remains of the cloister and convent buildings, as well as a 15-hectare park with century-old trees.

Founded in 654 by Saint Philibert, a member of the court of King Dagobert Iᵉʳ, the abbey was the seat of monastic schools that flourished intellectually. Destroyed in 841 by the Vikings and looted during the Wars of Religion, its buildings were used as a stone quarry after the French Revolution.

The ruins of the abbey, its open-air nave and its natural surroundings stretching down to the Seine, form a romantic setting that was hailed by Turner and Victor Hugo as “the most beautiful ruin in France”. This site, which has inspired many artists, has become a leading centre of art and culture. The abbey dwelling, a fully restored 17th-century manor house, is dedicated to the visual arts and contemporary photography. The park is also home to contemporary land art sculptures and hosts a biennial of contemporary environmental art.

Thanks to a free downloadable app or iPads for hire on site, visitors can discover Jumièges Abbey as it was before its destruction. 3D and 360° views are superimposed on the present-day remains, giving visitors the thrilling sensation of stepping back in time. The abbey church of Notre-Dame, the church of Saint-Pierre, the cloister and the gardens all appear at different times. These immersive panoramas are accompanied by additional information such as audio commentaries with photos and videos. The Jumièges 3D digital application was awarded the prize for best global cultural application by the World Summit Award in 2013.