Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

In the year 860, the monastery was formally consecrated, adopting the Rule of Saint Benedict and being placed under the patronage of Saint Peter (Saint-Pierre). The first monastic community came from the abbey of Solignac. The foundation was endowed with assets to ensure its subsistence. Thanks to this patronage, and to other subsequent donations, the monastery quickly became a stable and influential center, with a significant number of dependencies extending across the Limousin and Quercy regions. However, the instability caused by armed conflicts led to the introduction of the figure of the lay abbot, who was responsible for the monastery’s protection.

Beaulieu remained under Cluny’s authority until 1213. During this Cluniac period, significant restoration works were carried out, while the town of Beaulieu was being established and developed. Later, the Hundred Years' War had an impact on the abbey, and in 1466, it adopted the system of commendatory abbots. During the Wars of Religion, particularly in the years 1569 and 1574, the town of Beaulieu suffered severe destruction. The monastery itself was looted and severely damaged, while the church was converted into a Protestant temple. In an effort to restore the institution, in 1661 the abbey was integrated into the Congregation of Saint-Maur, which took control and promoted its restoration. This ensured the continuity of monastic life until 1789, when the French Revolution definitively put an end to the community.