Abbaye des Écharlis, Cistercian monastery in Villefranche, Yonne, France.
Abbaye des Écharlis is a Cistercian monastery featuring buildings that display the simplicity of early Cistercian design, with stone walls and functional spaces arranged around a central cloister. The most notable surviving element is the 12th-century entrance portal with a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-Pitié built in the 13th century.
The monastery was founded in 1131 and received rapid support from nobility through donations, enabling quick expansion. It became the first dependency of Fontenay Abbey in the 12th century, establishing itself as a major center within the order.
The site held deep significance for pilgrims devoted to Saint Alpais, whose spiritual story was documented by a monk living here around 1180. This connection shaped the religious character of the monastery across centuries.
The site is accessible to visitors who want to take time to see the surviving structures and the chapel portal. The best time to visit is in good weather, when the outdoor areas and cloister are most pleasant to explore.
The monastery had access to a mineral spring believed to have healing powers that attracted even King Louis VI, who claimed to experience health benefits from its waters. This spring turned the location into a destination for visitors seeking recovery.
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