Sainte Croix Abbey of Bouzonville

pictures

description

brief description: 

rebuilt on the foundation of a former Benedictine abbey which was originally founded in 1033, the church of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross) dates back to the 14th century. While its entrance is framed by historic buildings, a modern annex was added to the side of the church. The inner courtyard houses a cloister and the abbey garden. Behind it flows a pretty little river with an old dam. The back of the nave is slightly elevated and bordered by a small patch of green.

relevant filming facts

opening times: 
the abbey is open to the public from 09:00 am to 07:00 pm daily; the courtyard is always accessible
usage: 
the abbey is still being used as the parish church; the former hospital now houses a retirement home
condition: 
the interior of the church has been restored in the 1970s; the exterior is in the process of being renovated
interior architecture: 
church interior
Background noise: 
good acoustics inside. At the back of the church and at the dam, road traffic nearby. In the inner courtyard, subdued levels of road traffic noise. Also, the church being situated in close proximity to a school, recess noises coming from the schoolyard during break times
surroundings: 
in the background, adjacent to the courtyard, the historic building which today houses a retirement home was enlarged by a modern annex. Behind the courtyard is a school. The abbey itself is situated within the municipal area of Bouzonville
ceiling height: 
ca. 18m
Lift/elevator: 
none
possible disturbing factors: 
background noise on weekdays coming from the schoolyard
Space restrictions: 
church and courtyard are accessible; the abbey garden is accessible after consultation
Time restrictions : 
all visitors are expected to respect churchgoers, especially during times of religious services, funerals, etc.
Catering: 
various restaurants in close proximity could serve as caterers
premises: 
additional facilities for make-up, wardrobe, technical equipment, etc. can be made available in the Espace Sainte Croix
Filming experience: 
documentaries and concert recordings for French television

accessibility

car: 
From Metz / Paris, take the A31 motorway towards Thionville-Luxembourg, take exit 37.2 ("Yutz"). Continue on the D918 towards Bouzonville. There is the abbey on the D918. Coming from the direction of Germany or Luxembourg, take the A620 or A8 motorway towards Luxembourg, exit 3-Saarlouis. Continue on B269 and B405 towards Metz. Follow the road D918 direction Bouzonville. The abbey is there on the D918.
train: 
Train connections from Thionville, Creutzwald, Saarbrücken. Get off at Bouzonville train station.

supply

parking lot: 
some in the courtyard; only restricted access for trucks due to narrow historic archway. Large parking lot approx. 100 m away
electricity supply: 
available (220V)
water supply: 
available

contact

Marie-Alix Fourquenay