Abbaye Notre-Dame de l'Étoile, Cistercian abbey in Archigny, France

Abbaye Notre-Dame de l'Étoile is a former Cistercian monastery in Archigny, founded in 1124. Its church facade, with a round-arched doorway and a small rectangular window above, still stands, though the transept and vaults collapsed in the mid-19th century. The chapter house retains Gothic rib vaults, and the sacristy has a pointed barrel vault. The cloister galleries have disappeared.

The monastery was founded in 1124 by Isembaud de l'Étoile and joined the Cistercian order in 1145. This affiliation brought considerable prosperity during the 13th century, when the abbey reached its peak.

The name l'Étoile (Star) comes from the founder Isembaud de l'Étoile, who established the hermitage here in memory of his brother Pierre de l'Étoile, first abbot of Fontgombault. The chapter house, rebuilt in the 13th century, has ribbed vaults and carved decoration kept deliberately plain, in keeping with Cistercian austerity. Several abbots are buried beneath its paving.

The site is classified as a historical monument and can be visited, though opening hours and access details should be confirmed before arrival. An association works on ongoing restoration and welcomes donations to help preserve the complex.

The abbey's former mill, converted into a bakery in the 15th century, was fully restored in 1997 and now serves as the visitor centre. Graffiti left by a state prisoner remain visible in the prison in the eastern wing.