Would you like to learn more about the history of Fontdouce Adventure Park and Fontdouce Abbey? Then sit back, relax, and read the following article carefully… From a small monastery to a Royal Abbey, its history is full of twists and turns! You can also find out how Fontdouce Adventure Park was conceived and created.
The history of Fontdouce Abbey
Fontdouce Abbey was founded in 1111 and remained a small monastery for the first few decades. It began to expand in the 13th century thanks to donations, notably those from Eleanor of Aquitaine. A second monastery was therefore added to the first.
This period marks the beginning of the abbey’s heyday, which lasted until the Wars of Religion at the end of the 16th century. Within a radius of 100 km, the abbey became the owner of land and even a port in La Rochelle. It was then granted the title of Royal Abbey.
Then came the Wars of Religion, during which the Abbey suffered significant damage. The community dwindled from around a hundred monks to just a dozen. Despite everything, it survived until the Revolution. However, Fontdouce continued to suffer damage and the monks were exiled to the pontoons of Rochefort.
The site was then sold to the ancestors of the current owners after the Revolution. It first became a farm, then a large manor house was built, towering over all the other buildings. It included a bread oven, a dovecote, and other outbuildings.
Jean Pierre and Gérard Boutinet were able to begin reconstruction and repair work following the cessation of agricultural activity in the oldest parts of the site in the late 1960s. Today, the site continues to be gradually restored, with work continuing year after year to make it increasingly attractive for tourism and events.
No one would suspect that such a building exists here, which is what makes Fontdouce Abbey so unique and charming. The Abbey is hidden behind a small forest of hundred-year-old oak trees in the hollow of a valley. But once visitors know that this site exists here, they are surprised by its immensity and splendor.
The history of the Fontdouce Adventure Park
The Fontdouce Adventure Park opened its doors in 2013! The current owner decided to create a park to revitalize Fontdouce and attract more customers with outdoor leisure activities. He created a tree-top adventure park in the woods next to the abbey. Fontdouce Abbey is surrounded by a forest of hundred-year-old oak trees, ideal for tree climbing! It started out as a small tree climbing park with five courses (one for children and four for adults) and a giant 200-meter zip line.
A few years later, other activities were created, such as Bubble Soccer, Fonth’lanta, Outdoor Laser Tag, interactive tablet rallies, Archery Game, Treasure Hunt 2.0, and all-terrain electric scooters, which now attract visitors from all walks of life looking for a wide variety of activities!
The site offers visitors a wide range of possibilities and also encourages outings among colleagues, such as team-building events to boost motivation and strengthen bonds within companies, all while enjoying an exceptional setting! We also celebrate bachelor parties and birthdays for younger guests. School groups and recreation centers are also welcome to organize successful outings in the heart of nature!
Over the years, the owner has also worked on the park’s grounds to create a true haven of peace for guests. Terraces on stilts have been built in the woods to welcome visitors and allow them to completely disconnect! A snack bar has also been created right next door to satisfy small or large appetites! The valley has also been equipped to allow families or groups to picnic in the sun or even indulge in a nice little nap.
And for lovers of wide open spaces and short walks, the entire valley is open to everyone to stroll along the stream while admiring the trees and birds!
