Abbaye de Beaugerais, Cistercian abbey in Loché-sur-Indrois, France
Abbaye de Beaugerais is a Romanesque monastery near Loché-sur-Indrois in central France. The surviving stone walls show portions of the original church nave and remains of structures from various periods of the monastery's development.
The abbey was founded in 1153 through the efforts of a hermit who received backing from neighboring monasteries. Over two centuries the community grew through donations from regional noble families who supported monastic life.
The name derives from Latin words meaning beautiful, reflecting the monastery's setting in the Indre valley. The structures still display the plain, functional design that monasteries favored for daily religious life.
The site lies near the Indre valley and is easily accessible from nearby villages. The grounds are open for visitors, though sturdy footwear is advisable, especially during wetter months when the terrain can be muddy.
The abbey served as a regular stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, positioned between the towns of Montrésor and Châtillon-sur-Indre. This location along a well-traveled pilgrimage path brought constant contact with travelers seeking spiritual shelter.
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