The Augustinian abbey in Montbenoit, France.

© Dimitri Croquet/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Abbaye de Montbenoît


Montbenoît's Renaissance-style tower – emblazoned with a horseback knight – instantly impresses. Inside, explore the old abbey's double-columned cloisters and a 12th-century church, whose wooden stalls bear ornate carvings. Sculpted in the 16th century, several decorations 'warn' monks against the temptations of women (look out for a humiliated Aristotle, being ridden like a pony). Tours are led by the adjoining tourist office.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Maison de l'Absinthe

9.04 MILES

Learn all about absinthe (and sample the hard stuff in the bar afterwards) in this chic museum that annotates the history of the potent liqueur (with,…

3. Château de Joux

9.32 MILES

Clinging to a limestone outcrop, Château de Joux, 10km north of Métabief, used to guard the route between Switzerland and France. Its foundations date to…

5. Creux du Van

12.59 MILES

About 14km east of Môtiers, a short walk leads to the enormous abyss known as the Creux du Van (Rocky Hole) – van is a word of Celtic origin meaning 'rock…

6. Saut du Doubs

13.23 MILES

The River Doubs, which forms part of the Swiss–French border, widens out at the peaceful village of Les Brenets, 15km southwest of La Chaux-de-Fonds. It…

8. Château de Grandson

15.36 MILES

This imposing fortress lies 5km along the lakefront from Yverdon. Its thick stone walls hide a smattering of small museums – the history museum evokes the…