Abbey of Notre-Dame des Châtelliers

The communities founded by Gerald of Salles followed the Rule of Saint Benedict but soon joined the Cistercian Order. It is known that Gerald had contact with Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. In 1120, Gerald died at this abbey, where he was buried. His remains were venerated as those of a saint and attracted pilgrims and devotees. Shortly after, the community moved to a nearby site, northeast of the original location, where the monks settled permanently. In 1121, the founder’s relics were transferred to the new chapel and, in the mid-13th century, were placed in a new funerary monument.

The abbey was then organized in its new location, and its first elected abbot was Aimeri, who began building the definitive monastery in 1129; the new church was consecrated in 1156. By 1162, the house had entered the Cistercian Order. During that period, it also began to receive support from local lords, and in 1145 a papal bull placed the monastery under the protection of the Holy See. After suffering the effects of the Hundred Years’ War, monastic life continued. From 1476 onward, the house was governed by commendatory abbots. In 1568, during the Wars of Religion, the abbey was plundered and burned, and much of its buildings fell into ruin.