Abbey of La Bénisson-Dieu

The foundation initially received support from minor local lords, a circumstance that prevented it from enjoying an easy development in its early years. In addition, the new abbey became involved in disputes with Saint-Martin de Savigny (Rhône) owing to the proximity of the priory of Neuilly, which depended on that house. These early difficulties were partly overcome thanks to the support of the counts of Forez, who made numerous donations to the abbey. During the thirteenth century it experienced a period of prosperity, although a decline began towards the end of that century. Later, during the instability caused by the Hundred Years’ War, the monastery is said to have been fortified.

The last abbot of the house was Claude de Nérestang, brother of Françoise de Nérestang, abbess of Notre-Dame de Mègemont (Puy-de-Dôme), also of the Cistercian Order. This relationship facilitated an exchange of communities between Mègemont and La Bénisson-Dieu, with the aim of providing better conditions for the nuns. The male community moved to Auvergne, while the nuns took possession of La Bénisson-Dieu, a process completed in 1612.