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Loire Valley
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Priory Saint-Cosme
This fifteenth-century priory, situated on the banks of the Loire at La Riche to the west of Tours, is most famous as the last residence of Pierre de Ronsard, (the Prince of poets). He became its most celebrated prior when in 1565 the monks' welcomed him into their community: He lived here until his death in 1585 and was buried among his beloved roses. He divided his time between his writing, walks, prayer and gardening, taking inspiration from his peaceful surroundings.
On the site today you can see the ruins of the priory and the prior's lodge in all its austere splendour. You get to stand in Ronsard's writing room and in there you can see where some of his inspiration may have come from!
In 1988 it was decided that his love of roses should be commemorated by the development of a formal garden surrounding the priory. Each year, in spring it plays host to the 'Days of the rose' evoking his famous lines: "Live so my advice, do not wait until tomorrow. Pick today the roses of live" - Live for today.
The site is constantly being developed and with this, new discoveries are made, but the essence of its location will continue to revolve around the poet and its tranquillity.
Pierre
de Ronsard lies in the chancel beneath the gravestone that marks his
tomb. It was only in 1933 that the tomb was discovered in the
church.
Back
in 2014 work on restoring walls, updating the pathways and an
array of new planting for the contemporary gardens have helped
to capture the essence of the poet Ronsard in what was his
former residence.
March 21-April 30: 10 am - 6.00 pm May 1 - August 31: 10 am - 7.00 pm September 1 - October 14: 10 am -
6.00 pm October 15 to December 31: 10 am - 1
2 h 30: 2.00pm - 5.00 pm (closed on Tuesdays) Closed on 25 December and 1 st January
By reservation.
Tel. 02 47 37 32 70 - Fax. 02 47 37 32 70
Official website
https://www.prieure-ronsard.fr/
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