Abbaye de Belle-Etoile, 13th century abbey in Cerisy-Belle-Étoile, France

The Abbaye de Belle-Étoile is a former Premonstratensian abbey in Cerisy-Belle-Étoile, Orne. Its surviving buildings include the ruins of the 13th-century church, a cloister rebuilt in the 15th century, a tithe barn, the Salles-de-Bas farm and a 1713 guesthouse. A row of moss-covered stone arches with pointed tops runs along one side of a covered passage.

The monastery was founded in 1216 by hermits from Lonlay Abbey with support from local nobles. Over three decades, it grew into a substantial religious institution.

The canons followed the Rule of Saint Augustine and held charge of souls, opening the abbey for major ceremonies of the Premonstratensian order and for the faithful of neighbouring hamlets. They served the chapels of Mont de Cerisy-Belle-Étoile and Saint-Maur de Vire, and churches including Chanu and La Chapelle-Engerbold. A pietà and the centre of the altarpiece are now in the church of Cerisy-Belle-Étoile.

Parts of the site are privately owned and not all areas are open to visitors. It is best to check in advance which sections can be accessed.

The abbey's church was demolished after the Revolution, and its furnishings were dispersed: a pietà and the centre of a retable are now in the church of Cerisy-Belle-Étoile, while a statue of Saint Veronica and the choir stalls are kept at the church of Les Montiers in Tinchebray.