Royal Monastery of Brou

A closer look at the Royal Monastery of Brou

The Royal Monastery of Brou is an architectural complex designed in the Flemish Gothic style, construction of which began in 1506. This extraordinary building was designed at the request of Margaret of Austria, then the Duchess of Savoy and Governor of the Hapsburg Netherlands.

In 1504, the Duchess lost her husband, the Duke of Savoy and Prince of Piedmont: Philibert II. Deeply affected by his death, she decided to build a royal monastery in his honour, which would house his tomb. The Duke’s mother, Margaret of Bourbon, also expressed a wish to be buried in the monastery. Bourg-en-Bresse, one of the capitals of the Duchy of Savoy, was chosen as the site for the planned construction.

Margaret of Austria was heavily involved with the project. It is even said that she chose the architects, painters and sculptors who worked on the monastery. Sadly, the Duchess didn’t survive to see the finished monastery as she died two years before its completion. The construction of the monastery ended in 1532.

The different monuments that make up the monastery are designed in the Flemish Gothic style (also known as Brussels style), which was a first in that region, as well as in France. As a result, the monastery was very distinctive. All the more so because, not far from Bourg-en-Bresse, the Italian Renaissance movement was beginning to unfold.

The monastery has lost none of its original charm as the buildings remain in an excellent state of repair. In 1862, the Royal Monastery was also listed as a Monument Historique (historical monument) in France. These sites are closely linked with the fate of the European monarchs of the time. The monastery was built in honour of the Duke of Savoy, at the request of a woman who belonged to the House of Hapsburg, who became the Duchess of Savoy and Governor of the Hapsburg Netherlands. Yet she was actually supposed to marry a future king: the future Charles VIII of France.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this opulent and historical location during your camping trip to Saône-et-Loire. What’s more, in 2014, the French public voted this monastery as their favourite monument.

Activities

 During your visit to the Royal Monastery of Brou, you’ll discover a number of different monuments. For instance, there is a splendid church, famous for its roof covered in glazed tiles. The interior of the church is equally remarkable, with exceptionally well-preserved stained-glass windows and sculptures. The church also houses the magnificent tombs of Philibert II, Margaret of Austria and Margaret of Bourbon.

You can also explore the monastic buildings, designed at the request of Margaret of Austria. She envisioned a place where monks would live and dedicate prayers in memory of the deceased Duke. But it was primarily intended to house the tombs of the Duke’s family.

The buildings comprise three cloisters, kitchens, a refectory and chapter houses. Other more spacious rooms were also included. The latter now house a museum dedicated to fine and decorative arts.

During your visit, you can also explore the temporary exhibitions. The site has been selected by a French government body, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, and the municipality of Bourg-en-Bresse for the purposes of promoting art. This is a method of increasing public interest in art, architecture and archaeology.

Finally, each summer, the Royal Monastery of Brou plays host to the theatre festival entitled À la folie... Pas du Tout, which features musical evening entertainment. It includes all types of music, with performances from famous French artists.

Now that you know all about one of the region’s most famous attractions, you’re all set for your camping holiday in Bourg-en-Bresse and the surrounding area.

63 Boulevard de Brou, 01000 Bourg-en-Bresse

https://www.monastere-de-brou.fr/