Fontdouce is known for its adventure park, its thousand-year-old abbey and its tall trees that dance in the wind. But what few people know is that this place also hides its share of little stories, unusual anecdotes and little-known corners… From the silence of the monks to an unexpected royal visit, not to mention resident ducks and a still steeped in history, Fontdouce is full of surprising details that only the most curious will notice. Want to go behind the scenes? Here are 10 well-kept secrets that make Fontdouce a place like no other… Hold on tight, the last one is crazy!
1 – A source with a sweet name
Fontdouce is not a marketing name: it is the name of the natural spring that flows through the valley. Font = fountain, douce = purity. Water that is as discreet as it is precious.
2 – 900 years old… and all its stones!
Founded in 1111, Fontdouce Abbey has stood the test of time. It has seen monks, revolutions, and even climbers in harnesses (the most recent ones 😏).
3 – Quiet, we’re eating!
In the Middle Ages, the monks here ate their meals in silence, communicating only with their hands. Today, it is a welcoming place… where you can chat quietly.
4 – Tree climbing park (almost a historic monument)
The park is built in a valley classified as a natural site. So yes: here, we climb trees, but with respect (and a great view). A high-quality tree climbing experience!
5 – The VIP cell (medieval version)
A real feudal prison can still be seen in the abbey. It’s rustic, not very cosy, but perfect for a Game of Thrones atmosphere.
6 – A story of family (and love)
Fontdouce has been a family affair for generations. Passing on knowledge, welcoming guests and making people happy: it’s in the DNA of the place.
7 – Feathered colleagues
Around twenty ducks live at Fontdouce all year round. We’ve never asked them what they think about team building, but they seem happy.
8 – At the time, cognac flowed freely.
An old still still stands proudly on the property: a nod to the days when cognac was distilled on site. Cheers (in moderation)!
9 – The monks’ hall resurfaces
Five years: that is how long it took to excavate and restore the monks’ hall, which had remained underground for more than two centuries.
10 – When the Queen Mother of England arrives incognito
In May 1980, in Charente, the roads were blocked by angry winegrowers, and the countryside was far from peaceful. It was in this rather turbulent context that Robert Boutinet, the grandfather of Thibaud and Hugues, received a rather unexpected call: Maison Hennessy asked him if he could discreetly welcome the Queen Mother of England that same day.
Yes, the real one. The one who knew Churchill, raised a Queen, and lived through two world wars. She is visiting the region, but the roadblocks are complicating arrangements. Robert agrees. With his legendary discretion, he doesn’t even mention it to his wife, who leaves to go shopping, her mind at ease.
Upon her return, she was surprised to find the property surrounded by police officers. She was forbidden from entering her own home. After heated discussions (and much confusion), she finally found her husband… sitting in the garden with the Queen Mother and her entire entourage. An impromptu royal tea party took place at Fontdouce, in complete tranquillity. And since then, Fontdouce has kept all these secrets with elegance.
