The historic landscape of this former abbey, once centered around water and agriculture, is celebrated and adapted to contemporary uses

This former Cistercian abbey and former prison is now open to the public, following the 2023 acquisition of the site by the Ministry of Culture. Work at the site is dependent upon both findings from archaeological assessments, as well as cultural and architectural heritage specifications. As such, our landscape interventions here range from implementing minor restoration work to adapting and reusing existing historic spaces.

A limestone hardscape surface brings legibility and coherence to the open landscapes of the abbey grounds, making the abbey a central and unifying place once again. Swaths of hardscape incorporate water features, while seamlessly blending in with the historical layout of the abbey.

A network of pathways and waterways defines and structures the space. The network of pathways is intentionally minimalist in order to streamline visitor flow and highlight the historic architecture. This clear spatial design accentuates lines of sight and enhances symmetrical features. A gravity-fed water system — the oldest in the abbey, dating from its founding in the 12th century — is preserved. Water is the central element in our project, emerging in watercourses, irrigation trenches, and pools. These water features flow alongside visitors, all while celebrating the architectural heritage of the site.

The abbey, revived and redesigned around its complex layers of history, now provides a collection of varied community spaces. The Courtyards and Gardens feature an impressive array of design styles, ranging from vast, open lawns to lush botanical gardens.

At the Great Cloister (Grand Cloître), the understated landscape is designed to allow the surrounding architectural heritage to shine. The resulting, large lawn forms a welcoming space perfect for a wide variety of uses. A perimeter pathway framing the lawn highlights the base of the building. A pool may be added to the space depending on archaeological assessments, in a nod to the presence of water throughout the history of the cloister.

In the Small Cloister (Petit Cloître), a more intimate space, the historical landscape is restored. Here, the central garden, with its wide variety of species, is more botanical, experimental, and even medicinal. The garden offers a potential space for art installations. A perimeter pathway extends the architecture outdoors. Specific planting design, with particular regard to trees, will be determined in accordance with archaeological assessments.

The Perimeter Walls of the prison are partially opened, with the aim of guiding abbey visits, creating structure throughout the large site, and standing as a reminder of the site’s carceral past. An aggregate pathway runs through a flowering meadow dotted with groves of trees.

The Barn Market Square (Marché de la Grange) features scattered greenery, offering shade and shelter for the outdoor market. The aggregate surfacing is restored and refurbished as needed.