Its sober, massive silhouette, built in blonde Périgord stone, reflects the simplicity sought by the monks. Indeed, there's no ostentatious pomp: just clean lines, Roman arches and the light that underlines the purity of the architecture. As you enter, you can imagine the monastic life of yesteryear, punctuated by prayers, work on the land and silent meditation.
Anecdote: in 1790, during the French Revolution, the monks leftCadouin Abbey and the buildings became a stone quarry, before being saved by Prosper Mérimée.
The cloister, a masterpiece of light and silence
If the abbey church impresses with its sobriety, it's the cloister ofCadouin Abbey that really captures the visitor's heart. Built in the 15th century, it unfurls its galleries around an enclosed garden, and is a sight to behold. Each step becomes slower, as if the stone naturally invites you to slow down.
The light plays with the Gothic arches, casting shadows that shift as the day progresses. The finely chiselled sculptures evoke biblical stories, but also scenes of daily life, discreet witnesses of another time. We find ourselves lingering on a detail, a leaf, a face, a gesture frozen in stone.
This cloister is not only a landmark monument, it's also a sensory experience. Silence takes on a special density here, punctuated only by the breath of the wind or the song of a bird. Sitting for a moment on a gallery bench, closing your eyes, feeling the freshness of the walls: this is a simple and profound way to reconnect with the art of contemplation in the unique setting ofCadouin Abbey.
Anecdote: each gallery of the cloister has a different decoration, as if the sculptors had given themselves unique creative freedom.
Special events and tours
Cadouin Abbey can also be discovered through unique events, which add another dimension to the site:
- Evening visits: July and August, every other Monday at 8.30pm. The cloister is revealed in a different, more intimate, almost mystical light.
- Marmouset" tours: specially designed for children, these tours are a fun way to learn about the history and sculptures ofCadouin Abbey.
- Moulding workshops: a creative activity that extends the visit and brings the art of the builders to life.
These experiences add a lively dimension to the discovery of Cadouin, between wonder, transmission and sharing.
Slow's favorite: the night tour. When the cloister lights up softly and silence takes over, theexperience becomes unforgettable. The golden stone is tinged with mysterious reflections, and you can almost feel the presence of the monks of yesteryear.
