Loire Valley & Central France - Discover France: Experience the Best of France - page 413

and a wonderful barrel-vaulted refectory , where the monks and nuns would eat in si-
lence while being read the scriptures.
The highlight is undoubtedly the massive, movingly simple abbey church , notable for
its soaring pillars, Romanesque domes, and the polychrome tombs of four illustrious
Plantagenets: Henry II, King of England (r 1154-89); his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine (who
retired to Fontevraud following Henry's death); their son Richard the Lionheart; and his
wife Isabelle of Angoulème.
The abbey is 15km southeast of Saumur. Public transport is limited, so you'll need a
car.
BURGUNDY
Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) offers some of France's most gorgeous coun-
tryside: rolling green hills dotted with medieval villages, and mustard fields blooming
in bright contrast. Two great French passions, wine and food, come together here in
a particularly enticing form.
Dijon
POP 250,000
Dijon is one of France's most appealing cities. Filled with elegant medieval and
Renaissance buildings, the lively centre is wonderful for strolling, especially if you
like to leaven your cultural enrichment with excellent food, fine wine and shopping.