Abbaye de Vauclair

Founded in 1134, this Cistercian abbey was abandoned after the Revolution and badly damaged in the fighting of 1914–18. Today you can walk freely among the ruins, then visit a medicinal herb garden and heritage orchard. Entry is free from sunrise to sunset.

What to look for

• The abbey ruins.
• The medicinal herb garden.
• The heritage orchard.

From Étang des Moines, a walk described by the Department reaches the ruins and passes near the orchard and medicinal herb garden. It is 1.1 km and takes about 20 minutes of walking; allow longer to explore the site and gardens. You can also simply visit the ruins without booking: access is free from sunrise to sunset.

Founded in 1134, the abbey lost buildings after the French Revolution and the remaining structures were destroyed during the First World War. The garden now brings together more than 400 medicinal plants; the orchard preserves old apple and pear varieties from northern France. To continue exploring this history, the Caverne du Dragon lies in the same Chemin des Dames area; its underground visit is guided and ticketed.

Address : Étang des Moines, 02860 Bouconville-Vauclair

Published opening times : Open access from sunrise to sunset.

Published prices : Free.

Outdoor site: wear suitable shoes and respect the ruins and planted areas.

These details were checked online. Confirm opening times, prices and access with the venue before travelling.

Sources checked by NLocale on September 29, 2026. Tata Nadège has not visited this place. This page brings together publicly sourced facts and contains no review from her.

• Département de l’Aisne : ruines de l’abbaye de Vauclair

  Source checked on September 29, 2026

• Département de l’Aisne : promenade de 1,1 km au départ de l’étang des Moines

  Source checked on September 29, 2026