The Monastère Royal de Brou is a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece built in the Ain region by Marguerite of Austria at the dawn of the Renaissance. The monastery has three cloisters and can be recognised by its superb glazed roof and immaculate white facades. Be sure to visit this jewel of Gothic art during your camping holiday in the Ain.
Our campsites near Bourg-en-Bresse and Brou Monastery
A monastery born of a love story
It was to pay tribute to and show her love for her husband, Philibert le Beau, Duke of Savoy, who had died while hunting that Marguerite of Austria decided to build the royal monastery of Brou, where until then there had been a modest priory. Deciding to be buried alongside her husband on his death, the monastery was to house three sumptuous tombs: that of Philibert le Beau, that of his mother and that of Marguerite of Austria herself. Work began in 1505. The work went quite quickly (well, for the time!) and the monastery was completed in 1532. Marguerite of Austria sent the cream of the artists of the day, including the architect Loys Van Boghem. Unfortunately, she died in 1530 and never had the opportunity to see her work completed. When she died, she joined her husband and was buried at Brou in 1532.
A church unique in France and a setting for three tombs
The church of the Brou monastery is unique in France, as it is inspired by the architectural styles of Northern Europe. Its roof, in particular, is sumptuous. Its renovation at the dawn of the 21st century has restored it to its former glory. Built in the flamboyant Gothic style, this church is a veritable lace of stone.
This church is a magnificent setting for the three tombs it was designed to house. The tomb of Marguerite de Bourbon, mother of Philibert le Beau, is carved into the south wall. The duchess is depicted in full regalia. The tombs of Marguerite of Austria in the north and Philibert le Beau in the centre are two monumental and elegantly decorated tombs. These tombs are designed in 2 parts: the recumbent figure, at the top, represents the person as if they were alive, in their ceremonial clothes; at the bottom, we find the deceased, dressed more simply. These tombs were restored in 2018. When you visit the monastery, take the time to admire the finesse of the work and the quality of the materials used, with white Carrara marble from Pisa alongside black stone from Belgium and alabaster from the Jura.
The rood screen stands between the nave, designed for the faithful, and the choir, reserved for the religious. This stone enclosure is incredibly refined. It is one of the few remaining in France. Its original purpose was to allow Marguerite of Austria to pass from her flats to the church. You can follow this route today. From the top of the rood screen, discover the nave and choir from a new perspective. Follow the route to Marguerite’s flats, the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts and the monastery’s three cloisters.
Original coloured stained glass windows
The church’s stained glass windows have survived the ravages of time. The stained glass windows that adorn the choir and adjacent chapels were made between 1525 and 1532. They depict Marguerite of Austria and Philibert le Beau in situations inspired by the Gospels. Created by master glassmakers from Bresse and Lyon, they were inspired by engravings by Dürer and Titian. On their own, they justify a visit to the monastery during your camping holiday in the Ain near the Brou monastery.
Our campsites near Bourg en Bresse and Brou Monastery
A selection of campsites in the Ain with camping pitches for your holiday in a caravan, tent or motorhome.
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