Abbaye de Prébenoît

Abbaye de Prébenoît is a Cistercian monastery in Bétête with two main buildings arranged at right angles and decorated with Ionic capitals on the southern facade. The complex preserves remnants of its original medieval structure along with interior spaces that contain artistic elements from later periods.

The monastery was founded in 1140 when the abbey of Dalon received land through a donation from the lord of Malval. It remained in operation until the French Revolution, during which time it underwent various structural changes.

The early 18th-century murals display images of the abbey, floral designs, and botanical patterns throughout the interior spaces. These painted decorations reveal the artistic skill and tastes of the people who lived and worked here.

The structures are now privately owned and managed by an association dedicated to their preservation. Visitors should check in advance about access conditions, as the site is not open to the public without arrangement.

A Gothic chapel door with a trilobed arch and wall fragments survive from the original medieval construction of the monastery. These visible remains offer a direct glimpse into the early building history of the site.

Location: Bétête

Inception: 1140

Architectural style: Cistercian architecture

GPS coordinates: 46.35758,2.04083

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:21