Laval Dieu Abbey, Monthermé, France

The history of Laval Dieu begins in this place formerly called “la Bouche de Semoy” when the Archbishop of Reims, Hincmar, had a chapel built in 867, that was dedicated to Saint Rémy and entrusted it to the secular canons from the Braux Collegiate Church with a view to evangelising the region. Twelve canons from Prémontré arrived in the month of June 1128, at the beginning of the Semoy Valley which then became for evermore the “Vallis Dei”, the Vallée de Dieu, Laval-Dieu. Right from the moment it was founded Laval Dieu Abbey received as alms or in exchange for prayers, the inherited lands in Monthermé and further beyond in the neighbouring areas situated in the Empire, such as Auton wood in the Roc la Tour direction, owned by the Orchimont family. That is how Monthermé became an entity, a village, a seigneury whose lord of the manor was the Abbot of Laval Dieu. The inside of the church’s walls is entirely covered with oak panelling up to a height of 3.50 m that was installed in the early years of the 18th century.

References:

tourisme-valleesetplateaudardenne.com

User Reviews

Noiram All around the world (2 years ago)
Very limited opening hours: tues-thurs-sat afternoon, see my photos. Too bad, little info, no internet site with info, would be smart if they did. Also part of walking route 6 km round above and below 'la Roche a sept heure'

MONIQUE DUBOIS (3 years ago)
Very beautiful old abbey church with remarkable woodwork and an organ on which the young Mėhul played. There are still a few testimonies of the abbey, including a superb building backing onto the church and very well maintained. Various donations from pharmacists have enabled the Association which takes care of it to reconstitute a splendid apothecary. In the park, you will find a garden with many vegetables, an apiary, an orchard with old varieties of fruit trees, as well as a herbal garden with many medicinal plants. This park also offers a superb view of the Semoy. Not to be missed when you come to the area.

Bernard BAILLOT (3 years ago)
Very interesting visit and above all, hats off to the association for the preservation of the heritage of Monthermé which brings this place to life. A conservatory orchard and a garden selling fruit and vegetables complete the package.

Alexandra Dupuy (3 years ago)
Superb place as well the abbey as the apothecary and the gardens, beautiful energy and welcoming people

marie-claude lambert (3 years ago)
Beautiful area ! Visited during the coffee festival. I recommend, however, to find out about the opening hours.

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