The Royal Monastery of Brou is one of the finest late Gothic monuments in France, and it is far less crowded than it deserves to be. It stands on the edge of Bourg-en-Bresse, north-east of Lyon, and was built in the early 16th century by Margaret of Austria, daughter of the Emperor Maximilian, as a mausoleum for her husband, Philibert II, Duke of Savoy, known as Philibert the Handsome, who died young. The result is a cluster of monastic buildings set around an intricate church and three cloisters. Inside the church, the choir holds three tombs, of Philibert, Margaret and his mother, carved in white marble with astonishing lace-like detail, alongside a carved rood screen, choir stalls and stained glass. The church’s glazed tile roof gleams in the sun. The monastery buildings also house a museum of fine arts. Until 3 January 2027 the Moulins Triptych exhibition adds a special reason to go. This page links to the Tiqets entry ticket with priority access.
How to visit: regional trains from Lyon Part-Dieu reach Bourg-en-Bresse in about an hour, and the monastery is a walk or short bus ride from the station; by car it is around an hour north-east of the city. Tiqets lists it as open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, with last entry half an hour before closing. Show your phone ticket in the ticket holders’ line. The ticket includes a leaflet in several languages; an audio guide is available on site for an extra fee. The site is wheelchair accessible, with parking and a shop.
What to expect: allow at least two hours for the church, the tombs, the cloisters and the museum. The church is unheated, so bring a warm layer in winter. Bourg-en-Bresse is also the home of the famous Bresse chicken, so plan lunch in town.
Making the most of it: take an early train, see the church first while the light comes through the stained glass, then the cloisters and museum. On the way home you can stop at Pérouges, a medieval hilltop village close to the Lyon line. Free cancellation is available until the day before your visit.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a late Gothic church with three royal tombs, three cloisters and a fine arts museum, an hour from Lyon by train.
Best time
A weekday morning, arriving at 9:00 opening, with lunch in Bourg-en-Bresse afterwards.
How long
Two to three hours on site, a half day or more with travel.
Tips
See the Moulins Triptych exhibition before it closes on 3 January 2027, and bring a warm layer for the unheated church.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art and history lovers who want a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture without the crowds.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the love story behind it; the site is accessible and has parking.
- Couples
- A monument built for love, followed by a Bresse chicken lunch, makes a lovely day out.
- Pair with
- The medieval village of Pérouges on the way back to Lyon.
- Time needed
- A half day to a full day including travel.
Good questions
How do I get from Lyon to the Monastery of Brou?+
Regional trains from Lyon Part-Dieu reach Bourg-en-Bresse in about an hour. The monastery is a walk or short bus ride from the station.
What are the opening hours?+
Tiqets lists the monastery as open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Who built the Monastery of Brou?+
Margaret of Austria built it in the early 16th century as a mausoleum for her husband, Philibert the Handsome, Duke of Savoy. Their tombs and his mother’s are in the choir.
Is there an audio guide?+
Yes, an audio guide is available on site for an extra fee, in several languages including English. The ticket includes a printed leaflet.
What exhibition is on in 2026?+
The Moulins Triptych exhibition runs until 3 January 2027. It is a good reason to plan the trip this winter.
