Abbaye de Saint-Sulpice

Abbaye de Saint-Sulpice is a Cistercian monastery ruin sitting at about 796 meters (2,610 feet) elevation on the Plateau d'Hauteville. The remains include a church structure spanning about 50 meters (164 feet) with five sections, plus the foundation outlines of connected buildings such as the chapter house and kitchen.

The monastery was founded in 1133 by a Cluniac monk with support from Count Amadeus III of Savoy. Its influence grew through the following centuries, shaping settlement patterns across the wider region.

The name refers to Saint Sulpitius, a figure venerated in the region during the Middle Ages. Walking through the site today, you can trace where the monks moved between their living quarters, dining hall, and prayer spaces.

The site is open to explore freely, with excavated foundations that help visitors understand the layout of the original buildings. Clear weather provides the best views of the ruins and the surrounding plateau landscape.

Excavations between 1968 and 1980 uncovered the original entrance and revealed multiple phases of construction over time. This archaeological work showed how the structure evolved and was modified by its inhabitants across different periods.

Location: Plateau d'Hauteville

Inception: 1130

Address: L'Abbaye

GPS coordinates: 45.89778,5.58361

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:28