Abbey of Saint-André en Gouffern
A Cistercian Abbey was once here. Located by a wooded hill about 5 kilometers south of Falaise.The Abbey of St André en Gouffern is member of the European Chart of the Cistercian Abbeys and Sites.
A little history...
Guillaume Talvas, count of Perche of the Montgomery family, founded the Abbey in 1131.
The charter of the dedication is dated on the 11th of September 1143. The second charter is dated on 1175 during the patronage of St. André de Gouffern. Originally it was under the order of Savigny, and later joined the order of Citeaux in 1147.
The Abbey fulfilled two criteria : it firstly offered the retirement from the world that was attractive to monastic orders of the era, while secondly allowing easy access to economic activity.
The charter of the dedication is dated on the 11th of September 1143. The second charter is dated on 1175 during the patronage of St. André de Gouffern. Originally it was under the order of Savigny, and later joined the order of Citeaux in 1147.
The Abbey fulfilled two criteria : it firstly offered the retirement from the world that was attractive to monastic orders of the era, while secondly allowing easy access to economic activity.
Following the English wars, the Abbey came under partial fire in 1356. In 1450 ‘St. Andrew’ was a shelter for Charles VII. It was occupied by the troupes of Henry IV during the occupation of Falaise.
Today the hostelry has been renovated and is open to visit. Its lovely Gothic windows will lead you to the grand intimacy of its rib-vaulted main room. From the abbey are just left some blind arcades and fine columns with vegetation decorum.
Abbaye St André en Gouffern, 14700 LA HOGUETTE
Tel (opening periods) : +33 (0)2 31 90 41 08 – (other periods) +33 (0)1 46 61 99 09
Opening dates and times (guided visits)
The abbey is open from 10th July to 15th September, except on mondays and tuesdays.
Opening hours 1.00pm to 7.00pm
For groups, visits are possible all year round on appointments.
Rates :
Adults : 4 € - free under 15
The site of Abbey
The site in the surrounds of the village of la Hoguette has a remarkable isolation, on the edge of the Gouffern Forest, and nearby the quarries of Vignats where was extracted the stone used for the construction.Today the hostelry has been renovated and is open to visit. Its lovely Gothic windows will lead you to the grand intimacy of its rib-vaulted main room. From the abbey are just left some blind arcades and fine columns with vegetation decorum.
Useful information
ContactAbbaye St André en Gouffern, 14700 LA HOGUETTE
Tel (opening periods) : +33 (0)2 31 90 41 08 – (other periods) +33 (0)1 46 61 99 09
Opening dates and times (guided visits)
The abbey is open from 10th July to 15th September, except on mondays and tuesdays.
Opening hours 1.00pm to 7.00pm
For groups, visits are possible all year round on appointments.
Rates :
Adults : 4 € - free under 15
Taxi Bouquerel
Tel : +33 (0)2 31 90 00 00
- Way or way-back Abbey of Saint-André en Gouffern in la Hoguette from Falaise : 10€ ( From 1 to 8 person per taxi). This price include only one way, you have to call the taxi back for the way back.