Auberive Abbey

The Cistercian Abbey of Alba Ripa, founded in 1135 by 12 monks from Clairvaux, has played a key role in French history, influenced by notable figures.

Built in the typical Bernardine style, it features a church with an east-facing flat-walled chevet, sections for choir monks and lay-brothers, and a communal north wing. Situated in a remote area, the monks mastered water resources, diverting the Aube River for self-sufficiency.

After flourishing in the 13th century, the abbey declined during the 100 Years’ War. It endured religious wars in the 16th century and underwent reconstruction in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Following the dissolution of monastic orders in 1790, the abbey saw industrial and residential use before becoming a prison in 1856, housing female prisoners, including the communard Louise Michel. Later, it served as a reform school and returned to religious use between 1925 and 1960.

The Solvay company owned it from 1960, using it as a holiday camp until 2004.

Address

Auberive, France

Details

Founded: 1135
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)