Abbaye de Maubec, Trappistine abbey in Montélimar, France
Abbaye de Maubec is a Cistercian monastery in Montélimar set across extensive grounds with agricultural spaces near the Rhône River. The buildings display traditional monastic design with areas arranged for community living and the work that sustained the convent.
The abbey was founded in 1834 and housed a community of Trappistine nuns until financial pressures led to their relocation in 1991. Its establishment came during a period when French religious communities were rebuilding after the Revolution had damaged many monasteries.
The monastery held deep ties to local silk production, with the nuns participating in activities that supported the region's economy. This connection to the silk trade shaped the daily rhythm of community life for generations.
The site is accessible but visits are typically limited to special events, so it is worth checking ahead if you plan to visit. The location sits in a rural setting with good walking opportunities around the grounds.
The nuns established a specialized silkworm breeding operation that helped them achieve economic independence and supply the regional silk trade. This productivity made the monastery a birthplace of a local industry that flourished during the 1800s.
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