Historic site and monument
at La Chaise-Dieu

Parcours de visite de l'abbaye de La Chaise-Dieu

From April 5 to November 2, 2025, come and discover the tour of the Abbaye de La Chaise-Dieu and immerse yourself in the architecture and history of this prestigious place within an immersive scenography for young and old.
The discovery trail offers:
– the “lodge of Clement VI” in the old kitchens which restores the historical context of the construction of the current abbey church, marked by epidemics, wars and instability. Use of optical theaters and sound design
– the recently restored Gothic architectural cloister of which 2 galleries remain
– the Gothic abbey church which is full of treasures such as the 15th century fresco called “Danse Macabre”, the 144 carved oak stalls surrounding the marble tomb of Pope Clement VI and adorning the monks' choir separated from the nave by a flamboyant Gothic rood screen of great appearance, the large organ and their buffet carved with musical angels from the 17th century…
Please note: the church cannot be visited on Sunday mornings due to religious services. It is a parish church where celebrations (weddings, baptisms or funerals) and events (organ concerts or other) can take place all year round, which may result in the place being closed to visitors at any time...
– the history of the builders with presentation of the history of the abbey and part of the treasure
– the 14 Flemish tapestries from the beginning of the 16th century, a true national treasure classified as Historic Monuments since 1840, completely cleaned and restored, presented to the public in optimal lighting conditions in the Notre Dame du Collège Chapel rediscovered during the work of the building called “Echo Wing”
– the new scenography of the “Danse Macabre” to playfully explain this unique fresco on the universal theme of death involving the characters of medieval society in a funereal farandole…
– the echo room with astonishing acoustics where secrets have been whispered in the corners for so many years…
For children, a discovery booklet is available to visit the site on request.

Visits can be made with an audio-visual guide included in the entrance fee or with a paper document. Visit time: approximately 2 hours

Thematic guided tours are offered with a tour guide by reservation at 04 71 00 01 16 (€6 in addition to entry) duration 1h30

– “Essential” visit to the abbey:
From the Saint-Robert abbey to the echo room, passing through the cloister, you will discover in particular the 14 Flemish tapestries, a true national treasure.

– “Thematic” visit to the tapestries of La Chaise-Dieu:
Between the history of the order, weaving techniques, materials used and comments on iconographic themes. Discover essential insights to understand this remarkable work.

– “Thematic” visit to the temporary exhibition

In order to best prepare for your visit, please contact us in advance on 04 71 00 01 16

The audioguide and the visits offered by our guides are complementary
Further information) :
The route is a stroll through an Abbey with several staircases
Some rooms are not accessible to wheelchair users.
We speak: German, English, French

Themes:

  • Historical patrimony
  • Religious Heritage
  • Tour
  • Sundial
  • Fresco / Painting
  • Abbey
  • Chapel
  • Cloister
  • Church
  • Place
  • Doors

Location details

  • Public transport stop within 500 m
  • Village center
  • Lake or body of water at -5 km
  • Bus stop within 500 m

Visit

Average duration of the individual visit: 120 min.
Average duration of the group visit: 120 min.
Minimum group size: 20 people
Minimum group size: 20 people

Customers

Suitable for: Special family with children, Reception of groups, Reception of school groups, Special rate for students, Special rate for disabled people, Special rate for job seekers

Language(s) of the visit

French

Audio guide language(s)

German, English, Spanish, French

Individual visit services

  • Unguided individual tours permanently
  • Permanent individual guided tours

Group visit services

  • Unguided group tours permanently
  • Guided group tours on request

Opening

Opening hours from April 05 to June 30, 2025
TuesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
FridayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SundayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Please note: ticket office closes at 17 p.m.
open on public holidays at the same times
Opening hours from July 01 to September 21, 2025
MondayOpen from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
FridayOpen from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Please note: ticket office closes at 17:30 p.m. and is open on public holidays
From August 18 to 31, the 59th edition of the Music Festival will be held with concerts taking place in the abbey church. This entails a change in the tour route and, as a result, a reduction in its entrance fee (€7).
Opening hours from September 22 to November 02, 2025
TuesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
FridayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SundayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Please note: ticket office closes at 17 p.m. and is open on public holidays

Admission fees

Admission feesMin.Max.
Full price

11 €-
Reduced price

6 €-
Kids

6 €-
Family package
25 €-
supplement thematic guided tour: €6 per person
Free for children under: 11 years old

Payment methods

  • Bank / credit card
  • Cheque
  • Classic Holiday Vouchers
  • Cash
  • Bank transfer
  • Culture Check
  • Pass'Région
  • Contactless payment

Services

Equipments

  • Playground
  • Picnic area.
  • Elevator
  • Auditorium
  • Toilets
  • Public toilets
  • Motorhome parking area
  • Motorhome service terminal
  • Show room
  • defibrillator
  • Meeting room
  • Parking nearby

Services

  • Educational visits
  • Room rental for event
  • Theme visit
  • Shop
  • Wifi Internet access
  • Tourist Documentation
  • Tourist information
  • Guided tours

Activities on site

  • Temporary exhibitions
  • Show

Home animals

NOT_ACCEPTED

Adapted tourism

Adapted service: Services adapted for hearing impairment, Services adapted for mental impairment, Services adapted for visual impairment, Magnetic loop available at reception, Presentation of the place accessible to people with visual impairments at reception, Reception staff aware of the welcoming people with disabilities

Address

1 Avenue de la Gare
43160 La Chaise-Dieu
How do I get there?

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