Clairvaux Abbey

Founded in 1115 by Saint Bernard, Clairvaux Abbey was one of the most powerful Cistercian abbeys of the medieval West, its influence reaching across Europe.

Getting there

By car: Ville-sous-la-Ferté, in the south of the Aube (~40 min from Troyes).

History

Rebuilt in the 18th century, it was turned into a prison under Napoleon. Part of it is open to visitors, including the 12th-century monastic barn.

Culture & stories

Both a major spiritual site and a place of prison memory, it can be explored on a guided tour.

Location