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!
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.
Additional information :
Guided tours are available, please inquire at reception.
Visit
- 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
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours permanently
- Guided individual tours on request
Group visits services
- Unguided group tours permanently
- Guided group tours on request
Opening
From 16/02 to 30/04/2026, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 12pm and from 14pm to 17:30pm. Monday and weekends from 14pm to 17:30pm.
From 01/05 to 30/06/2026, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 12pm and from 14pm to 18pm. Monday and weekends from 14pm to 18pm.
From 01/07 to 31/08/2026 every day from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
From 01/09 to 30/09/2026, Mondays and weekends from 14pm to 18pm. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm and from 14pm to 18pm.
From 01/10 to 13/12/2026, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 12pm and from 14pm to 17:30pm. Monday and weekends from 14pm to 17:30pm.
Prices
| Price | |
|
Full price From December 17, 2025 to December 13, 2026 |
€5 |
|
Reduced price From December 17, 2025 to December 13, 2026 |
€3,50 |
Payment
- Cheque
- Cash
- Bank / credit card
- Local currency
- Classic Holiday Vouchers
- Contactless payment
Services
Equipment
- Parking in the area
- Meeting room
- Parking
- Auditorium
- Picnic area.
- Show room
- Toilet
Services
- Pet Friendly
- Educational visits
- Room rental for event
- Shop
- Wifi Internet access
- Tourist Documentation
- Tourist information
- Free visits
- Guided tours
- Accessible by stroller
Accessibility
Accessible tourism
- Access for self-propelled wheelchairs
- Ramp
Physical disability
Ramp
Multimedia area
Videos
Add to favourites
Next
Previous
3