It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,000 metres (about 5 furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year in early October.
The event is named after the Abbaye de Longchamp, an abbey founded in the 13th century by Isabelle, the sister of Saint Louis.
The Prix de l'Abbaye was one of two major races introduced to celebrate Longchamp's centenary in 1957.
The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix de l'Abbaye was initially given Group 2 status.
From this point the winner earned an automatic invitation to compete in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.