European Heritage Days - Abbey of Abondance

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, come and meet the team at the Abbaye d'Abondance to mark European Heritage Days! With a focus on heritage at risk and photographic heritage, this weekend will be an opportunity to (re)discover this unique site in Haute-Savoie, where elegant architecture meets artistic finesse. Since the start of the year, the municipality of Abondance has been undertaking a major project to restructure and enhance the abbey site, aimed at ensuring the preservation of this Historic Monument whilst making it accessible and attractive to visitors. In danger? No! Worth preserving? Yes! PROGRAMME: • Guided tour of the Abbaye d'Abondance: the programme will cover the history of the religious communities, an exploration of the 15th-century murals and insights into the architecture. After the tour, feel free to explore the exhibition ‘From History to Art: Sacred Heritage in the Abondance Valley’, housed in the former monastery. Saturday 19 September at 2.15 pm and Sunday 20 September at 2.15 pm • Tour: ‘What a project! Restoring, understanding and sharing’: Go behind the scenes to discover the roof restoration work, the research being carried out in the cloister, the heritage enhancement programme and the work currently underway at Abondance Abbey. A guided tour to understand how the monument’s future is being shaped. Saturday 19 September at 4.00 pm and Sunday 20 September at 10.00 am – Booking essential on 04 50 81 60 54 or [email protected] – Limited number of places. • Explore the Abbey on your mobile: As soon as you enter, scan a QR code to access our mobile visitor guide. The standard tour will allow you to enjoy the site at your own pace and in your own way! Available in French, English, Italian and German. Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm – What you’ll need: a smartphone with an internet connection • Follow Augustin: a mischievous young novice who’ll help you discover Abondance Abbey whilst having fun. Answer his questions and take on his challenges! Available in French, English and German. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm – Equipment required: a smartphone with an internet connection • MuséOjeux activity packs: Explore the abbey whilst having fun with the activities provided in the MuséOjeux pack: observation, singing… a whole programme to enjoy with family or friends! Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm • Balade Branchée – A tour of the village of Abondance: Touch, smell, observe… On this unique walk, you’ll explore Abondance to discover wood, a material with many uses. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm – Half-day tour. • Abondance: Tout un fromage – Treasure Hunt: The residents of Abondance are in shock! A precious symbol of their heritage has just been stolen. Your mission: to find this symbolic artefact as you explore Abondance and catch these wretched thieves. Are you ready to take on the challenge? Starter pack available on request at reception – ages 12 and over. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September – 9.30 am–12 noon and 2 pm–6 pm – Equipment required: Smartphone (with internet connection) and closed-toe shoes. • FOCUS ON THE TREASURES OF ABONDANCE – PHOTO RALLY: Test your knowledge of Abondance’s heritage! Whether tangible, intangible or natural, set out to discover them and bring them to life through your photographs. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm. • Déambulation Musicale – ALMA Duo: Discover the abbey on a unique musical tour accompanied by a saxophone duo. At each stop, a musical performance will echo the themes explored, creating an original dialogue between heritage, architecture and artistic creation. Sunday 20 September at 4.00 pm EXHIBITIONS • ‘Une Abbaye à croquer’ exhibition: Follow Jérôme Phalippou through the Abbey’s secret nooks and crannies. Through his sketches, he has captured the unseen to offer you a poetic stroll. An invitation to slow down and rediscover the monument from a fresh perspective. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm • Exhibition ‘Six cents foires m'étaient contées...’: Discover how fairs have evolved over 600 years, their impact on the village and their links with the Abbey, cheese and the famous breed of cattle. Is it really the 600th? A story in pictures, full of surprises! Abbey Gallery, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm Equipment : Depending on the event - see detailed program. Bookings at Abondance Abbey: 04 50 81 60 54 or [email protected] Depending on the activity, see the programme.