The abbey was founded in a deserted forest region then known as Cîteaux, which was marshy and difficult to cultivate.
The Cistercian Order spread rapidly from this location, eventually establishing hundreds of daughter houses across Europe.
The monastery is the site of origin for the 'Cistercian' architectural style, characterized by a lack of ornamentation.
Monks at this abbey still produce a distinct, pressed, uncooked cow's milk cheese, known as Fromage de Cîteaux.
The original medieval buildings were almost entirely destroyed during the French Revolution, with much of the current architecture dating to the 19th century.
The abbey's library holds rare manuscripts despite the heavy losses sustained during the revolutionary period.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux is the founding house of the Cistercian Order, established in 1098 by Robert of Molesme. It serves as an active monastic community rather than a museum. The site maintains a strict commitment to the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing silence and prayer. Visitors are restricted to specific areas, including a dedicated visitor center and a chapel gallery. The community is historically significant for its role in the development of Burgundy's viticulture. The monks continue to produce the famous Citeaux cheese, which is aged on-site. The current complex includes elements reconstructed after the French Revolution, which saw the original medieval structures largely dismantled. It remains a site of living religious tradition within the Catholic Church.
The exterior view of the abbey facade from the central courtyard accessible to the public.
Purchase the abbey-made cheese at the visitor center as it is rarely available elsewhere.
Visit the audiovisual room to understand the daily life and history of the current monastic community.
Respect the areas marked as private to ensure the monks' cloistered life is not disrupted.
Do not attempt to enter the cloister or living quarters, as these are strictly off-limits to the public.
Closed to the public on Sundays and during certain major religious feast days.
Dress modestly as is standard for religious sites; maintain silence in areas marked for prayer.
