Royal Abbey of Hautecombe

Welcome to the Royal Abbey of Hautecombe, majestically perched where the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bourget meet the steep, wooded slopes of Mount Charvaz. Situated in the commune of Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille in Savoie, this…

You are currently standing directly before the formidable outer gate and the historic Alms Door, which together once safeguarded the sacred inner enclosure of Hautecombe Abbey from external perils. As we begin our detailed walk…

You have now arrived before a truly remarkable and imposing stone building situated directly at the water's edge of Lake Bourget. This is the famous Grange batelière, or the floating boathouse granary, widely recognized as one of…

You are now standing in the absolute center of Hautecombe Abbey, within the peaceful cloister courtyard where centuries of silent monastic prayers have accumulated. Enclosed on all four sides by neat stone archways, this central…

The moment you step inside the abbey church of Hautecombe, you are immediately greeted by an overwhelming world of ornate, magnificent three-dimensional sculptural art. To open our tour of this extraordinary sanctuary, let us…

Stepping out from the abbey church, you now stand upon the wide, open southern terrace, where the refreshing breeze coming off Lake Bourget greets you. Positioned high on the rocky cliff directly across from Aix-les-Bains, this…

We have now arrived at the final destination of our tour, standing before the Chapel of Saint-André and the lighthouse tower at the easternmost point of Hautecombe Abbey. Rising gracefully on a quiet rocky promontory jutting out…