XNUMXth century Cluniac priory, keep and fortified gate, with its monks' cells, kitchen, infirmary and tithe room.

Parking

Guided tours

From 13/07 to 30/08/2024, every day.
On demand.

Within the church carved Romanesque capitals. Wall paintings. Merovingian burials.
Totally restored inside and out.
Part of the European cultural paths. Classified as historical heritage, labeled Cluniac Site, is part of the initial list of European Cluniac sites retained in the application for UNESCO World Heritage.

Possibility of guided tour from 15/07 to 15/08 by appointment with Mr. & Mrs. Pontoise (06 22 75 05 54).
VMF, FESC, Environmental Heritage member
.

New 2024
The UNESCO process and consequently the world heritage classification of a list of European Cluniac sites is progressing. The Cluniac priory of Bournoncle Saint Pierre is included in the list!

History, culture and heritage
Certainly, the Cluniac priory of Bournoncle Saint Pierre is the witness of our lives. Indeed, in Bournoncle Saint Pierre, the life of the town has been organized for centuries around its emblematic Cluniac priory. Thus, the priory has had a profound impact over time on the great sad and happy events in the town of Bournoncle Saint Pierre. In this sense, the priory is not just about its exceptionally preserved material heritage, but also its immaterial imprint: this is precisely what makes the Bournonclois attached to “their” Cluniac priory.   “these Cluniac stones are more than stones” The priory is located in the middle of the village, which gives it its character. Even if it is not classified, it marks the face of the town and the identity of the commune. As for the church, it is where the events which marked the lives of the inhabitants were celebrated: weddings, funerals, etc., disasters, etc. Quite naturally, there are many subjects that revolve around churches or in churches in general and quite naturally in the Cluniac priory of Bournoncle Saint Pierre. It is the heritage of the intangible wealth generated in particular by Cluny (the Church within the Church in the 12/13th century). However, the deep attachment of the Bournonclois to their religious heritage reveals an attachment that goes far beyond the religious practices of each person. For example, the Restoration of the priory created social ties and boosted the economic activity of the village. This now helps attract and integrate newcomers, whatever their origins and philosophical and religious option. “We hear that religious buildings are no longer useful since religious practice is declining among Catholics.” However, the French are truly attached to their heritage (religious or not) How can we understand this paradox of a secularized society which retains an attachment to its cultural heritage? I think we would make a mistake in thinking that faith disappears or spirituality disappears. Indeed, religious practice is not the whole of faith. Moreover, many non-practitioners frequent religious heritage sites and particularly the Cluniac priory of Bournoncle Saint Pierre. Also, the right question to ask is: do we know how to keep all the heritage alive in all the territories in general and in the Cluniac priory of Bournoncle in particular? Indeed, the religious building like the Cluniac priory of Bournoncle Saint Pierre can be used for culture, education, social ties...territorial management and local development (tourism, commerce, craft activities) “The Cluniac Priory of Bournoncle Saint Pierre is therefore a free space which has already provided many services to the population as long as we know how to maintain it and keep it open” This is what we have been trying to do for more than 30 years, with complete financial autonomy but always at the service of the populations. Ultimately, more directly inspiring for us is the experience of the great builders of the Middle Ages, sometimes lay people and sometimes monks starting from nothing who became almost in spite of themselves builders and/or rescuers of temporal and spiritual empires, founders of a culture that has shaped our geographical and interior landscapes versus material and/or intangible heritage. In this sense, the restoration of the Cluniac priory of Bournoncle Saint Pierre is a particularly illuminating example of heritage preservation. With this objective, we actively support its candidacy for the list of Cluniac “UNESCO” sites.

Visit

  • 18 to 75 years
  • Groups welcome up to 20 people.

Individual visit services

  • Guided individual tours on request

Group visits services

  • Guided group tours on request

Opening

From July 13 to August 30
Monday Open
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
Saturday Open
Sunday Open

Services

Equipments

  • Parking nearby
  • Motorhome parking area
  • Picnic area.
  • Toilets

Services

  • Pet Friendly
  • Educational visits
  • Coach access
  • Mandatory reservation
  • Wifi Internet access
  • Tourist Documentation
  • Tourist information
  • Free visits
  • Guided tours
  • Complimentary wireless internet access

Activities on site

  • Temporary exhibitions
  • Evening entertainment
  • Show
  • Concert