Abbaye de Saint Amant de Boixe

Welcome to the Abbaye de Saint Amant de Boixe!
Download the “Bâtisseurs en Nord Charente” application or scan the QR code and play with Guillaume!

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The old abbey is said to have been founded by the hermit Amant in the 6th century in the forest of La Boixe. However, the first historical mention of this establishment dates back to 988. It was not until the generous donations of Guillaume IV Taillefer, Count of Angoulême, that the current abbey developed: the monastic buildings date from this period.

As for the church, it was rebuilt in the first quarter of the 12th century, starting with the chevet, the transept and the last bay of the nave. The most beautiful example of this phase is undoubtedly the façade of the north arm of the transept, made by the same sculptors' workshop as that of Angoulême Cathedral. In a set of blind arcades one would find the different degrees of the clergy (the minor orders: subdeacons, acolytes, psalmists, exorcists, readers... and the major orders: deacons, priests and bishops).

Some time later, the nave was rebuilt to replace the 11th century nave. The work ended with an elegant façade. Traces of polychromy in the lower left arcade indicate that it was painted, highlighting the sculpted decorations, most often geometric. The new abbey church was completed and dedicated on 15 November 1170 by the Archbishop of Bordeaux, a large number of bishops and abbots, as well as the Count of Angoulême and the main lords of the region. It is an imposing building (over 54m long, 22m high for the dome) where the fifty Benedictine monks and the parishioners met (each in their respective part of the church).

The convent buildings house the Espace d’architecture romane: numerous fun and interactive modules invite the visitor to discover this unique architecture and the men who contributed to its development. Contact the Espace d’architecture romane for opening hours.

Family game: “Anne Mésia”
The inhabitants of the site are in the grip of a spell. To free themselves, they must remember the people they were. Anne Mésia, the famous magician specializing in amnesia, is here to help you in this matter!
Your mission, to ward off fate, using your smartphone: explore the site in search of the characters, historical facts and places that have marked his life. You will need to use intuition and observation in order to solve the puzzles that will arise in your path!

To play, simply download the free application "Les enquêtes d’Anne Mésia"

• Average duration of the individual visit: 60 min
• Average duration of the group visit: 60 min
• Groups welcome up to 65 people.

Customers

• School groups welcome
• Special rate for job seekers
• Groups welcome
• Special rate for students

Visit languages

• French

Individual visit services

• Unguided individual tours permanently
• Guided individual tours on request

Group visits services

• Unguided group tours permanently
• Guided group tours on request

Payment

• Cheque
• Bank / credit card
• Cash
• Local currency
• Classic Holiday Vouchers
• Contactless payment

Equipments

• Parking nearby
• Meeting room
• Parking
• Auditorium
• Picnic area.
• Show room
• Toilets

Services

• Pet Friendly
• Educational visits
• Room rental for event
• Shop
• Wifi Internet access
• Tourist Documentation
• Tourist information
• Free visits
• Guided tours
• Accessible by stroller

Activities on site

• Temporary exhibitions
• Show
• Concert

Adapted tourism

• Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
• Furniture/Reception desk suitable for wheelchair users
• Ramp
• Magnetic buckle available at reception

Physical disability

Ramp

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