Clairvaux Abbey

Clairvaux Abbey
Main façade of the abbey
Clairvaux Abbey is located in France
Clairvaux Abbey
Location within France
Monastery information
OrderCistercian
Established1115
Mother houseCîteaux Abbey
People
Founder(s)Bernard of Clairvaux
Site
LocationVille-sous-la-Ferté, France
Coordinates48°08′50″N 4°47′20″E / 48.14722°N 4.78889°E / 48.14722; 4.78889
Visible remainssubstantial
Public accessyes

Clairvaux Abbey (/klɛərˈv/, French: [klɛʁvo]; Latin: Clara Vallis) was a Cistercian monastery in Ville-sous-la-Ferté, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Bar-sur-Aube. The abbey was founded in 1115 by Bernard of Clairvaux. As a primary abbey, it was one of the most significant monasteries in the order. Dissolved during the French Revolution, it was used from 1808 to 2023 as Clairvaux Prison, a high-security correctional facility. As of 2024, work is in process to make the space available and attractive to tourists.[1]

Its layout was significantly altered by construction in the 18th and 19th centuries. Before it was a prison, Clairvaux Abbey served as an archetype for Cistercian monasteries; significant portions of the ancient abbey remain standing.

  1. ^ "Reconversion de l'abbaye-prison de Clairvaux : la candidature d'EDEIS-ADIM retenue". www.culture.gouv.fr (in French). 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-09-17.

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