Abbaye de Valcroissant, Cistercian abbey in Die, France
Abbaye de Valcroissant is a former Cistercian monastery in a mountain valley near Die, made up of medieval stone buildings arranged around a central courtyard. The structures include a church hall, monks' living quarters, and utility buildings, all constructed from grey stone with simple window openings.
The monastery was founded in 1188 by monks from Bonnevaux and became a center for monastic life for centuries. It grew to become a hub for farming and craftwork activities throughout the region.
The abbey's name refers to the valley and waters that shaped monastic life here. Visitors can see the simple stone rooms where monks prayed and worked throughout their daily routine.
The site sits in a quiet mountain valley and is best explored on foot, so sturdy shoes are recommended for unpaved paths. Visitors should plan to spend time wandering through the grounds to appreciate the layout and atmosphere.
The area once served as a water storage point for a Roman aqueduct that fed the ancient city of Dea Augusta. This dual purpose shows how the location was valued across different historical periods.
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