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Paid · Historic Monument
Abbaye d'Aulps
Cistercian abbey founded around 1094, listed as a Historic Monument, with a unique interpretation centre dedicated to medieval monastic life and an immersive 3D visit.
Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Cistercian abbey · Ruins and museum
Access
Paid
Price
From €7 (adult)
Duration
1 h 30 – 2 h 30
Best season
Year-round · Summer for the gardens
Parking
Free on site
Dogs
Not permitted
Town
Saint-Jean-d'Aulps
What is Abbaye d'Aulps
The Abbaye d'Aulps (or Abbaye Sainte-Marie d'Aulps) is a former Cistercian abbey situated at 807 m altitude in the Upper Chablais valley. Founded around 1094 by monks from the abbey of Molesme in Burgundy, it affiliated with the Cistercian order in 1136 and became one of the most powerful monasteries in medieval Savoy. Partially destroyed in 1823 after 700 years of monastic life, its majestic remains of the abbatial church have been listed as a Historic Monument since 1902.
The estate now houses the Aulps Valley Discovery Area, a unique interpretation centre in France located in the restored former monastic farm (2007). The scenography, entirely renovated in November 2020, tells the story of daily life among Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages, their roles within the community, relations between the abbey and Savoy, and the surprising history of its destruction.
The visit circuit includes the remains of the abbatial church, former cellars, gatehouse, medicinal herb garden, medieval vegetable garden and vegetated cloister. An augmented reality application allows visitors to discover the abbey reconstructed in 3D as it was between the 16th and 18th centuries, using a virtual reality headset or digital tablet.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
5292 L'Abbaye, 74430 Saint-Jean-d'Aulps View on map
Hours
June 15 – Sept 15: daily 10am–7pm. Jan 1 – March 31: Monday to Friday 2pm–6pm (closed Jan 1). Apr 1 – June 14 and Sept 16 – Sept 30: Monday to Friday and Sunday 2pm–6:30pm (closed Saturday, closed May 1). Oct: Monday to Friday 2pm–6pm. Verified on the official website on May 14, 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.Verified 14 May 2026
Rates
Adult €7. Child 6–16 years €3.50. Adult group (min. 20 persons) €5.60. Child group €2.80. Free: under 6, Multi Pass Portes du Soleil, Pass Léman France, annual abbey card. Verified May 14, 2026.Verified 14 May 2026
Booking
No online ticketing. Purchase on site. Group booking required at 04 50 04 52 63 or abbayedaulps@hautchablais.fr.
Parking
Free on site
Animals
Not permitted on the estate
Accessibility
Accessible to people with reduced mobility with assistance. Slope > 5% but reasonable. Adapted for hearing, mental and visual disabilities.
Visit duration
1 h 30 to 2 h 30
Contact
04 50 04 52 63 · abbayedaulps@hautchablais.fr · www.abbayedaulps.fr Verified 14 May 2026
Altitude
807 m
When to visit
When to visit
The abbey is open year-round with varying hours by season. Summer (mid-June to mid-September) offers the best hours (10am–7pm daily) and allows full enjoyment of the medieval gardens in bloom. Spring and autumn are ideal for discovering the site in a quieter atmosphere, though closed Saturday. Winter (January to March) limits opening to weekday afternoons. Flamb'Aulps (torchlit evening visits) and cultural events (Storytelling Festival, concerts) punctuate the summer calendar.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I visit Abbaye d'Aulps?
Abbaye d'Aulps can be visited freely on site without reservation for individual visitors. Tickets are purchased at the reception. Group booking is required at 04 50 04 52 63.
What is the admission price for Abbaye d'Aulps?
The adult rate for Abbaye d'Aulps is €7. Child 6–16 years: €3.50. Adult group (min. 20 persons): €5.60. Free for under 6 and with Multi Pass Portes du Soleil or Pass Léman France. Verified May 14, 2026.
What are the hours for Abbaye d'Aulps?
Abbaye d'Aulps is open in summer (June 15 – Sept 15) daily from 10am to 7pm, and in winter (Jan–Mar) Monday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm. Spring and autumn: afternoon opening except Saturday. Verified on the official website on May 14, 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
Is the 3D visit at Abbaye d'Aulps included in the ticket?
Yes, the Abbaye d'Aulps 3D application (augmented reality) is included in the admission price for Abbaye d'Aulps. Visit with virtual reality headset or digital tablet to discover the abbey reconstructed in the 16th–18th centuries.
Can I bring a dog to Abbaye d'Aulps?
No, dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Abbaye d'Aulps estate, including in the gardens and ruins.
Is Abbaye d'Aulps wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Abbaye d'Aulps is accessible to people using wheelchairs with assistance. The site has slopes greater than 5% but they are reasonable. Accommodations for hearing, mental and visual disabilities are available.
How much time should I plan for visiting Abbaye d'Aulps?
Plan 1 h 30 to 2 h 30 for a complete visit to Abbaye d'Aulps: interpretation centre, 3D visit, remains of the abbatial church, medieval gardens and conventional spaces.
Is there a restaurant or tavern at Abbaye d'Aulps?
Yes, the Tavern La Croix Blanche is located on the Abbaye d'Aulps estate. In summer, the Priory Menu is offered for lunch. A gift shop completes the offering.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
