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We headed to Cadouin with the express purpose of visiting the abbey. Since abbeys are often outside of towns in quite rural areas, we drove through town looking for signs to the Abbey. No luck so we turned and drove through again. Still no luck so we stopped at a boulangerie and got a baguette for our evening picnic and asked for directions. The baker told us to return to town and the abbey was on the way. Again, no luck.
We decided Cadouin was a cute village so we parked and decided to walk through the village taking pictures. Lo and behold, we got out of the car and looked at the huge building on our left and it was the abbey . . . completely unmarked. It is in the center of town on the Market Square. It was so obvious we hadn't seen it.
That problem solved, we paid and entered the beautiful old Abbey. The cloisters are fabulous. They contain marvelous sculpture and even remnants off beautiful frescoes. The visit is worth it for the sculptures alone. Highly recommended, especially if you like flamboyant gothic sculpture.
Written Jul 27, 2011
Address: Market Square in Cadouin
Phone: +33 (0)5 5363-3628
Website: http://www.pays-de-bergerac.com/english/tourisme/site_remarquable/monuments-religieux/cadouin/index.asp
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Apparently there were several religious enhancements during the Cistercian period and later when the cloister was added in the 15C and the stained glass later. Most uncharacteristic are the frescos, capitals and column decorations which were earlier.
Written May 10, 2009
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Although the church is Cistercian it has many subtle enrichments. The Gothic arcades, that separate the aisles from the nave, have plain capitals but the capitals in the apses and transepts are carved. There are fresco in the apse and altar semidomes and a large cross on the decorated altar. The stained glass windows are recent and are not in character.
Written May 10, 2009
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Since the Abbey church was built as a Cistercian site, it is surprising that the facade is as nicely decorated as it is. Of course it has no carved figures but the small column capitals are carved and it has significant architectural design. The main portal has a set of three smooth recessed arches and the windows are recessed as well. To the north of the portal is a double blind-arched arcade and above this level are three large recessed windows. Near the roof line is a set of nine blind arcades (and an oculus) resembling Lombard bands. Alongside the church abbatial buildings stretch to the south
Written May 10, 2009
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Since the Abbey church was built as a Cistercian site, it is surprising that the facade is as nicely decorated as it is. Of course it has no carved figures but...
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We drove north just 2 miles from Molieres to reach the town of Cadouin (pop. 375).This old town grew up around its famous Abbey and has remained unspoiled. It still has old houses and a wooden covered...
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Silly, but we had a terrible time finding the Abbey in Cadouin. We drove through town twice and finally stopped and asked directions. Told to drive back through town, we did and still didn't see even...
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