Looking for an original spot for a walk, a picnic or a timeless photo shoot? Head for Dammarie-lès-Lys, not far from Melun. Here, in the Parc de l'Abbaye, lie the ruins of theAbbaye Notre-Dame du Lys.
Founded in 1244 by Blanche de Castille and her son Louis IX (the future Saint Louis), theabbey was home to Cistercian nuns from Maubuisson. It is said to have been one of the queen's favorite haunts, so much so that her heart was transferred there after her death. A royal abbey, then, only a few kilometers from the Château de Melun: it's easy to see why this place has left its mark on history.
History has not always been kind to the abbey. Plundered during the Hundred Years' War, then rebuilt, it was eventually sold as national property after the French Revolution. In the 19th century, its ruins were even used as... an ox pen!
Fortunately, there are still some beautiful remains: the choir, part of the transept, Gothic chapels and, above all, the large chevet window that gives the site its charm. All this is surrounded by the Parc de l'Abbaye, a vast estate combining formal gardens and natural areas. It's a peaceful, mysterious and, above all, photogenic place. Enough to inspire explorers in search ofbeautiful sights to discover in the Paris region!
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Dates and Opening Time
From February 18, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Location
Lys Abbey
407 Avenue du Lys
77190 Dammarie les Lys
Access
Melun (RER D)
