Abbey of St. Medard, Soissons

Since its foundation in 560 to hold the relics of the same-named bishop of Noyon, Saint Medard, the Abbey of St. Medard has endured for 1500 years. This Abbey was hailed as one of the major spiritual and political hubs of early medieval France not long after it was founded and one of the best Carolingian architectures.

The abbey rose to new heights in terms of importance when it acted as the crematorium for Clotaire and Sigebert, the son and grandson of Clovis, the founder of the Merovingian dynasty, respectively.

The Carolingian dynasty was established when Pepin the Short was crowned king of the Franks in the same abbey.

The spectacular Crypt and regal Mausoleum, which has ten chapels interlaced with arches, the walls adorned with gilded royal sculptures, the entrance that resembles a castle, the Tower of Abelard, and the Roman pillars are a few of the site's primary attractions.