Alone in Royaumont Abbey... | Dumas Piano

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Alone in Royaumont Abbey…

5 August 2023

Behind the scenes at Royaumont Abbey

There are magical moments like this: being all alone in Royaumont Abbey!

We are often asked to tune or deliver our pianos to the Abbaye de Royaumont, and each time we are amazed by this majestic historic setting.

This time, we were lucky enough to be alone in the Abbey when we picked up the piano, and we wanted to share this exceptional site with you.

The park gate

We turn up at the delivery gate and...

we take the path along a canal leading to the door of the former monks’ wing.

The medieval garden

The medieval-inspired garden is set between the former kitchens and the monks' refectory.

In this charming garden of nine planted squares, you'll discover the " table of knowledge ". The most beautiful potted plants from the squares are featured here.

This“table of knowledge” is 17 m long, 35 cm thick and weighs around 7.5 tonnes.

It was carved from an amaranth tree, a so-called “dominant” tree.

The main entrance

We announce ourselves. To do this, you pass through the main entrance, which opens onto the avenue of chestnut trees on one side and the cloister on the other.

The cloister

We now walk through this magnificent cloister to the piano building.

The cloister features a formal garden with a pond in the middle.

The place for earthly nourishment

We now enter the monks' kitchen.

Situated between the monks' refectory and the converses' refectory, this room features impressive vaulted ceilings.

In the middle, four thick columns and on the side, the buttresses of the cloister vaults remain visible.

The door at the top of the steps gives access to the drinking water fountain, located in the cloister.

The monks' refectory

Another door... we enter...

And here's a magnificent room bathed in light: the monks' refectory!

The large geometric stained glass windows and the reader's pulpit on one side, and the great organ on the other, are awe-inspiring.

The organ is impressive;

The floor is magnificent!

The Convers refectory

We arrive in the room where the concert took place: the converse refectory.

Columns and vaults coexist with wall panelling.

We'll now take care of the piano 😉

Transporting the piano

Nicolas straps the piano for transport.

He tilts it to place it in the field on the cart.

And takes a ramp down from the stage.

We leave through the back door

The truck is parked along the canal behind the medieval garden.

The piano is on the cart, and we use the small back door to leave.

One last look for pleasure

On the way back, you can't help but admire this splendid abbey.

We realize how privileged we sometimes are when we deliver or pick up our pianos outside public opening hours.

See you soon !

Article: The pianos at Royaumont Abbey

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