Cîteaux:
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux
Cîteaux : Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux
Discover the spiritual heart of Cîteaux, the birthplace of the Cistercian Order. This peaceful visit to the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux reveals a powerful legacy of prayer, simplicity, and devotion that shaped Christian monastic life across Europe. Ideal for pilgrims and history lovers alike, Cîteaux offers a timeless atmosphere of faith, reflection, and inspiration.
Tour Highlights
Visit Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux, the birthplace of the Cistercian Order and a cornerstone of Western monastic history.
Learn about Saint Robert of Molesme, Saint Alberic, and Saint Stephen Harding, founders of the reform that emphasized simplicity, prayer, and work.
Explore the abbey grounds and discover the origins of Cistercian spirituality, which later influenced Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
Experience the quiet atmosphere of monastic life, rooted in silence, humility, and devotion.
Discover the abbey’s role in shaping medieval Europe through faith, agriculture, and learning.
Walk through the surrounding landscapes that inspired the Cistercian ideal of harmony between prayer and nature.
Conclude with a peaceful moment of reflection and prayer, embracing the spiritual legacy of Cîteaux.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions: Experienced tour guide, Guided visit to Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux, Small group experience
Tour Exclusions: Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Cîteaux, optional donations, Entrance fees (if applicable)
Distance: Approximately 1–1.5 km
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair accessibility
Meeting Point: Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux, Cîteaux, Burgundy, France.
Your guide will meet you at the entrance. (See Google Map for exact location.)
Cîteaux : Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux
Step into the spiritual birthplace of the Cistercian Order with this enriching visit to Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux, one of the most influential monastic sites in Christian history. Founded in 1098, Cîteaux is where a renewed vision of monastic life—rooted in prayer, simplicity, and manual work—took shape and spread across Europe.
Your journey begins at the historic abbey church, where you’ll discover the origins of the Cistercians and the legacy of Saint Robert of Molesme, Saint Alberic, and Saint Stephen Harding. Learn how Cîteaux inspired a spiritual movement that transformed medieval Christianity, emphasizing silence, humility, and devotion to God.
As you explore the abbey grounds, reflect on the life of prayer and discipline that shaped generations of monks, including the influence of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, whose reforms carried the spirit of Cîteaux far beyond Burgundy. Walk through the peaceful surroundings that still echo centuries of liturgical prayer and monastic tradition.
The visit offers moments of quiet contemplation, allowing you to experience the serene atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims, historians, and seekers for centuries. Conclude your tour with a deeper appreciation of Cîteaux’s enduring spiritual heritage and its vital role in shaping Western monasticism—leaving inspired by a place where faith, history, and simplicity meet.
Cîteaux : Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux
Located in the peaceful countryside of Burgundy, France, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux is one of the most important sites in Christian monastic history and the birthplace of the Cistercian Order. Founded in 1098, Cîteaux became the spiritual center of a reform movement that sought to restore monastic life to its original ideals of simplicity, prayer, and manual labor. Pilgrims, historians, and spiritual seekers visit Cîteaux not for grandeur, but for its profound legacy of faith and discipline that reshaped medieval Christianity across Europe.
Among the most significant places at Cîteaux are the abbey church, where the community gathers for the Liturgy of the Hours; the historic monastic buildings that reflect the Cistercian commitment to austerity and balance; and the surrounding landscapes that embody the harmony between prayer and work (ora et labora). From this quiet abbey, daughter monasteries spread throughout France and beyond, influencing architecture, agriculture, theology, and spiritual life.
The Foundation of Cîteaux (1098)
The history of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux began when Saint Robert of Molesme, together with Saint Alberic and Saint Stephen Harding, established a new monastery dedicated to living the Rule of Saint Benedict with greater fidelity. Rejecting excess and ornamentation, the monks of Cîteaux embraced poverty, silence, and communal prayer. Their vision laid the groundwork for one of the most influential monastic movements in Western Christianity.
Saint Bernard and the Cistercian Expansion
Although not a founder, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux played a decisive role in spreading the spirit of Cîteaux. Entering the order in 1112, he went on to establish the Abbey of Clairvaux and became one of the most powerful spiritual voices of the Middle Ages. Under his influence, the Cistercian Order expanded rapidly, with hundreds of monasteries across Europe united by the spiritual ideals born at Cîteaux.
Cîteaux and the Pilgrim Tradition
While Cîteaux was not a major stop on medieval pilgrimage routes, it became a destination of spiritual renewal for monks and lay visitors alike. Those who come today encounter a place of silence and reflection, where centuries of prayer continue to shape daily life. Modern pilgrims and visitors are drawn to Cîteaux to reconnect with the roots of monastic spirituality and to experience a living tradition that continues to inspire the Church.
A visit to Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux offers a timeless encounter with faith, history, and contemplation—an opportunity to step into the heart of Cistercian spirituality and discover a place where simplicity leads to profound spiritual depth.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
- Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
- Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
- Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.
Plan Your Visit to Cîteaux
Discover the best ways to reach, stay, and experience Cîteaux, the birthplace of the Cistercian Order, set in the peaceful countryside of Burgundy, France. Travel times are approximate and may vary by season and transport schedules.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Airport Meet & Assist Services
For a smooth arrival or departure, Meet & Assist services are available at major French airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupéry.
A dedicated assistant helps with luggage, check-in, and security—ideal for first-time visitors to France or travelers seeking stress-free airport support.
Note: Services are provided within the airport only.
By Air
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – ~300 km
Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) – ~200 km
Approx. 2.5–4 hours by car or train connections. From the airport, continue by train or rental car to Cîteaux.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Cîteaux (regional TER line)
From Paris Gare de Lyon: ~2 hours to Dijon + ~30 minutes to Cîteaux
From Dijon: ~25–30 minutes
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Cîteaux is easily reached by road from Dijon, Beaune, and Lyon.
From Dijon: ~30 km (~40 minutes)
From Beaune: ~35 km (~45 minutes)
Parking is available near the abbey.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional buses connect Dijon and nearby towns to Cîteaux.
Schedules vary—check local timetables before traveling.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Private transfers from Dijon, Beaune, or nearby train stations offer a comfortable and direct option, especially for small groups or pilgrims.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Cîteaux is a quiet, compact village.
The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux and surrounding areas are easily explored on foot, ideal for reflection and peaceful walks.
Where to Stay in Cîteaux
Choose from tranquil guesthouses, countryside hotels, or stays in nearby Dijon or Beaune, combining comfort with easy access to the abbey.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Find the Best Local Stays – Book your unique local stays with Homestay 
Experiences & Activities
Enhance your visit with spiritual retreats, guided abbey visits, Burgundy wine routes, or cultural day trips around Dijon and Beaune.
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Prepare for your journey to Cîteaux with comfortable walking gear and travel protection.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance on Safty Wings
Find your local luggage storage on LuggageHero
Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Cîteaux in person, explore Catholic devotional items inspired by Cistercian spirituality, monastic prayer, and the legacy of Saint Bernard.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combine train travel to Dijon with a local taxi or rental car for the easiest and most flexible way to reach Cîteaux.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Cîteaux
If you guide visitors through the Abbey, explain the origins of the Cistercian Order, or lead faith-focused and historical tours in the Burgundy region, we’d love to connect with you.
Contact us.
Partner with Us
We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.