Abbaye Saint-Martin de Mondaye

The Premonstratensian abbey of Saint-Martin de Mondaye, situated in Juaye-Mondaye southwest of Caen, was founded in 1202 and remains an active monastic community today. The existing buildings date largely from the 17th and 18th centuries and reflect the restrained French classical style typical of Norbertine abbeys. After the Revolution, the site was occupied by a Trappistine community from 1815 to 1845, before the Premonstratensians returned and have remained ever since. Listed as a classified historic monument of France, the abbey is open to visitors: guided tours cover the church and cloisters, offering a rare glimpse into contemporary monastic life set against centuries-old stone.