Clairvaux Abbey (Clara Vallis) was a Cistercian monastery in Ville-sous-la-Ferté, 15 kilometres from Bar-sur-Aube. The original building, founded in 1115 by Bernard of Clairvaux, is now in ruins; the bulk of the present structure dates from 1708. Clairvaux Abbey was a good example of the general layout of a Cistercian monastery.

From 1808 to 2023, the grounds were occupied by Clairvaux Prison, a high-security prison. As of 2024, it is in the process of being transferred to new ownership as a site oriented toward tourism.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1115
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ian Hepple (7 months ago)
Such a wonderful historic site and well worth calling in.
Evita Ēdere (8 months ago)
Sad that excursion is only in French
Angie Ng (8 months ago)
I was so happy that I could reserve tickets for the next day by emailing the office. The guided tour was in French, but we received some written information in English. Also, our tour guide Albam made sure that we knew we could ask him questions in English. Albam was very helpful throughout the informative tour.
L Llp (2 years ago)
Super interesting visit, great guide. The evolution, both historical and architectural, from medieval monastery to modern day prison (the prison just closed in 2023) is fascinating and unique. Guided visit, good to reserve by phone if possible, or loop by off the highway
Lex Professio (5 years ago)
great historical site, and today also a rare insight into ancient French prisons. Very impressive!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.