Nestling in a lush setting in the Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park, in the Asnières-sur-Oise district, Royaumont royal abbey, founded in 1228 by St Louis, is the largest Cistercian abbey in the Ile-de-France region. Occupied by a community of monks until the French Revolution, the abbey then served as a cotton mill, a noviciate and, during the First World War, a military hospital, before being bought by the Goüin family who in 1964 set up the Royaumont Foundation, a cultural association.
Today, this charming, romantic place is open to the public: visitors can explore the magnificent restored abbey buildings, the church ruins and a park crossed by canals. The most noteworthy elements include the superb Gothic cloister and its French-style formal garden; the splendid two-naved monks' refectory with a carved pulpit; the old kitchens and the statue of the Royaumont Virgin dating from the 14th century; the latrine building, unusual for being flanked along one side by a canal; and the wonderful medieval-style "garden of nine squares".
Royaumont abbey has a packed programme of cultural and artistic events throughout the year, hosting music concerts, talks and exhibitions.
