Margaret of Austria oversaw the construction between 1506 and 1532 to fulfill a vow made by her mother-in-law.
The monastery was built specifically to house the tombs of the dukes of Savoy.
The roof tiles utilize a pattern inspired by the traditional Burgundian style, despite the monastery being in Bresse.
The choir stalls are recognized as some of the most preserved and sophisticated examples of 16th-century woodcraft in Europe.
The church was saved from destruction during the French Revolution by being converted into a hay storage facility.
The marble used for the funerary sculptures was sourced from Carrara, Italy.
The monastery is managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux.
Margaret of Austria's motto, 'Fortune infortune fort une', is carved throughout the site.
The Royal Monastery of Brou is a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture commissioned by Margaret of Austria in the early 16th century. It stands as a dynastic funerary monument housing the elaborate marble tombs of Margaret, her husband Philibert the Fair, and his mother Margaret of Bourbon. The complex includes a church, three cloisters, and the monastic buildings that now house the municipal museum of Bourg-en-Bresse. The interior features intricate stone lacework, stained glass, and highly detailed wood carvings in the choir stalls. The roof is notable for its multicolored glazed tiles arranged in complex geometric patterns. The site served as a testament to the political and artistic influence of the House of Savoy. It remains one of the most significant historical monuments in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
The central cloister looking toward the polychrome tiled roof of the church.
Explore the upper level of the church to view the choir stalls and stained glass windows from an elevated perspective.
Do not miss the municipal museum located within the monastic quarters, which features an extensive collection of religious art and local artifacts.
Wear comfortable shoes as the stone floors are uneven and the complex covers a large footprint.
Missing the cloisters, which are often overlooked by visitors who only explore the main church.
Closed on Mondays from November to March; closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Maintain a quiet volume within the church; photography is permitted without flash.
