Villers-Bettnach Abbey

Villers-Bettnach is a Cistercian abbey with preserved ruins in the Loire valley. The site features a monumental gateway arch from the 17th century and the remains of a 13th-century church with six bays and a polygonal apse.

The abbey was founded in 1134 and grew rapidly, establishing daughter houses across Europe. It disappeared during the French Revolution after centuries as an important religious institution.

The Chapel of Saint Catherine sits above 12th-century structures and features split windows. The Peasants Chapel continues to serve as a parish church today, keeping the connection between the religious past and present community life alive.

The site sits in a wooded valley and is relatively easy to reach for visitors interested in medieval architecture. The ruins are maintained by a local association that keeps the place open for exploration.

The monastery once operated salt pans and maintained townhouses in nearby towns, showing its economic power. These business connections disappeared along with the institution itself.

Location: Saint-Hubert

Inception: 1134

Founders: Henri de Carinthie

GPS coordinates: 49.23375,6.36139

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:21