Bonnevaux Abbey, Medieval Cistercian monastery in Villeneuve-de-Marc, France
Bonnevaux Abbey is a stone monastery complex with a church, residential buildings, and service structures spread across the landscape between Lyon and Grenoble. The property includes the remains of the original architecture, some of which is undergoing restoration.
The abbey was founded in 1101 and served as the sixth daughter house of Cîteaux Abbey, the mother house of the Cistercian order. Over time, it established its own daughter monasteries across the region, spreading religious influence.
The name reflects the Cistercian order that shaped this place, known for strict discipline and living close to nature. Visitors can sense today how the monks organized their days around prayer, work, and the rhythm of the agricultural lands.
The site is undergoing gradual restoration by a religious community that took over in 2017, so expect ongoing maintenance work. Check conditions before your visit, as some areas may be restricted or under renovation.
A painting from the 1700s shows the original layout with a prominent western tower that no longer stands today. This historical image helps visitors understand what the complex once looked like.
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