Other monasteries in Saône-et-Loire

Benedictine

Saint-Martin Abbey of Autun was founded around 589 by Queen Brunhilda (c. 547–613), on a site where, according to tradition, there had previously been a pagan temple destroyed by Saint Martin. In 731 it was devastated by the Saracens. The nobleman Badilon restored it, and a new church was consecrated there in 870. The monastery was partly repopulated by monks from Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey (Vienne) and placed under the Rule of Saint Benedict. In 879 it was destroyed again, and Charles III the Fat (839–888) took charge of promoting its reconstruction. In the mid-17th century, the abbey joined the Congregation of Saint-Maur. It was suppressed during the Revolution and subsequently almost entirely disappeared.

Cluniac

At the end of the 10th century, a chapel dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene is mentioned at Charolles, and a church is recorded in the mid-11th century. Around 1104, the existence of the Cluniac priory of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Charolles is confirmed; it is thought to have been founded at that time. The medieval church was already in ruins by the 18th century and was demolished during the first half of the 19th century. Only some 15th-century structures survive, resulting from extensive restoration prompted by the damage caused by the Hundred Years’ War.

Franciscans

The Franciscan convent at Mâcon was probably founded in the mid-13th century, although neither the date of their arrival nor their patron is known. Some authors associate this Franciscan settlement with the lords of Feurs, who are said to have provided them with a site within the town walls. There is also evidence of several donations made to the community during the second half of that century. In 1503, the Conventual Friars Minor left the convent and were replaced by an Observant community.

Cluniac

The site of Mazille is known from 893, thanks to a deed of sale. From the 930s it was owned by Gislebert of Chalon (d. 956), who, around 950, gave it to Aquine, who at that time took the habit at Cluny. In 962, when it was already in Cluny's possession, Bishop Adon of Mâcon confirmed the possession and added, among other properties, the church of Saint-Julien of Mazille. The house was administered by a dean, a provost or a prior.

Cistercians

The Cistercian monastery of Notre-Dame de Le Miroir was founded in 1131 by Humbert de Coligny. Shortly afterwards, between 1135 and 1155, a serious conflict broke out between this house and the Cluniac abbey of Saint-Pierre de Gigny (Jura), a dispute that required the intervention of important figures and institutions of the Church. The monastery became a burial place for members of the Coligny family. The last regular abbot was Jean de Ciry, who was succeeded by Guillaume de Vautravers, who took office under the commendatory system.