Abbaye du Val des Écoliers de Verbiesles, abbey located in Haute-Marne, in France
The Abbaye du Val des Écoliers de Verbiesles is an old monastery in a quiet village with thick stone walls and simple window openings. The buildings show clear monastic design features including a main church-like room, cloisters for walking and reflection, and basic living quarters that reflect the practical needs of the monks.
The abbey was founded in the early 13th century by a scholar named Guillaume from Paris who established a community with fellow students focused on learning and prayer. By 1212, the local bishop granted them land to construct their main buildings, and over following decades the abbey grew to become the mother house for more than twenty monasteries across Europe.
The name Notre-Dame-du-Val-des-Écoliers reflects its historical connection to learning and devotion. Visitors can observe how the simple layout of gardens and open spaces was designed for reflection and quiet walks, shaping how people moved through and used the grounds.
The site is easily reached via country roads with parking available nearby, allowing you to explore the grounds at your own pace. It is best to check opening hours before visiting so you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings without time pressure.
The abbey served as the mother house for more than twenty other monasteries, spreading across Europe to Belgium and areas near Dijon and Reims within just a few decades of its founding. This remarkable expansion demonstrates how influential the community and its teachings became throughout the region.
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