Abbaye du Betton, abbey located in Savoie, in France
Abbaye du Betton is a former Benedictine and later Cistercian convent located in the Gelon valley in Betton-Bettonet, Savoie. The ruins reveal walls, arches, and the layout of the original monastic complex, including the church and adjoining buildings.
The monastery was founded around 1133 and began as a priory under La Trinité before becoming an abbey by the late 12th century. After fires and war damage in the 1600s, it was partially rebuilt but lost its religious use following the French Revolution.
The monastery served as a center for the local community, where people gathered for worship and spiritual guidance. The nuns' daily work and prayers were woven into the rhythm of village life, making this place important to those who lived nearby.
The site is easily accessible on foot and can be visited year-round, with the best light in the afternoon when sunlight highlights the stones. It is recommended to explore with a map or guidebook, as there are no permanent guides on site.
After being destroyed by French troops in 1597, the abbey was later used as a hospital for the mentally ill and then as a silk production factory before becoming ruins. This unusual history shows how a sacred place served radically different purposes over time.
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