Vauclair Abbey, Cistercian monastery ruins in Bouconville-Vauclair, France
The stone remains of Vauclair Abbey stand on the northern slope of Chemin des Dames, at the intersection of three historical French provinces.
Founded in 1134 by Bishop Barthélémy de Jur, the monastery functioned until 1791 when it was sold at auction during the French Revolution.
The monastery name Vauclair, meaning Vallis clara in Latin, connects to its mother house of Clairvaux through a deliberate reversal of words.
Visitors can explore the archaeological site, which includes preserved foundation walls, an arboretum of fruit trees, and a medicinal herb garden.
Father René Courtois dedicated 39 years to excavating and studying the abbey ruins, living on site until 2005 while documenting its archaeological features.
Location: Bouconville-Vauclair
Inception: 1134
Architectural style: Romanesque art
GPS coordinates: 49.45250,3.74611
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:41
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