Abbaye de Buzay

Buzay Abbey is a partially ruined Cistercian monastery in Rouans where a 33-meter tower from the 1700s stands as the most recognizable structure. Underground vaults beneath ground level reveal where monks once stored food and conducted daily operations.

The monastery was established in 1135 at the request of a local noblewoman and welcomed its first monks the following year. Its fortunes changed dramatically during the French Revolution when much of the complex was damaged or destroyed.

The monastery served as an economic hub where monks managed salt production and river trade that shaped local commerce for centuries. This prosperity supported the creation of three daughter convents that spread monastic influence throughout the region.

The tower is the primary feature and stands out clearly among the ruins, though underground chambers have limited access. Wear sturdy shoes and bring clothes suited to outdoor conditions, as the site is largely exposed to the elements.

A canal was dug between 1720 and 1775 to connect the monastery with the Loire River for better transport routes. This engineering feat demonstrates how economically vital the site had become to the surrounding region.