It was built between 990 and 1028 by Cluniac monks, over the ruins of two previous abbeys dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The two-storey narthex dates from the 12th century, and there are some very fine 14th century Gothic columns, frescoes and murals in the narthex and chancel. It is a remarkable building that is well worth a visit. The house of the priors (La Maison du Prieur) in Romainmôtier is one of the last 2,000 surviving legendary monastery palaces built along the main roads in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was designed to host important guests of the Father superior and is perhaps the last witness to this grand era. After a long period of decline, the building is now classed as a national monument and has been miraculously conserved, with immense halls, huge fireplaces, beams and coffered ceilings, and wall and ceiling paintings from the 13th, 14th and 17th centuries.

Opening hours:
Cloister: this is a public space and is always open.
Monastic exhibition and slideshow: from May to October.

How to get there:
By car: take the RN1, exit at La Sarraz and follow signs for Romanmôtier. The monastery is signposted on brown tourist signs.
By train: take the Lausanne - Vallorbe line, alight at Croy.