Foundation of the Abbey 1142 (≈ 1142)
Donation by Géraud du Brouilh and his family.
1151
Creation of the Franqueville barn
Creation of the Franqueville barn 1151 (≈ 1151)
First major agricultural extension.
XIVe siècle
Construction of the monumental gate
Construction of the monumental gate XIVe siècle (≈ 1450)
Architectural element still visible today.
1789
End of monastic activity
End of monastic activity 1789 (≈ 1789)
Closing during the Revolution.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Géraud du Brouilh - Founder
Dona land for foundation in 1142.
Gausens - Co-founder
Wife of Géraud, involved in the donation.
Origin and history
Planselve Abbey, founded in 1142 by Géraud du Brouilh and his family, was a Cistercian monastery located near Gimont, on lands called Planassylva. This foundation marked the beginning of the development of the Gimont bastide. The monks, affiliated with Berdoues Abbey, received donations of land and created barns (agricultural centers) such as Franqueville (1151), Saint-Soulan (1155), or Laus (1158), extending their economic and religious influence in the region.
Between the 12th and 18th centuries, the abbey accumulated seigneurial rights (seize, hunting, fishing) and land holdings, becoming a major player in local life. It was also a stage on via tolosana, a route of the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela, welcoming travelers. Ruined during the Revolution, today only a 14th century wall remains, a 12th century converse building, and two dovecotes.
The cartular of Gimont, preserved at the Archives départementales du Gers, collects the charters from 1142 to 1233, including the act of foundation. This document is a valuable source for understanding the economic and social history of the abbey. The few remaining remains, private property, are not accessible to the public. The abbey illustrates the importance of Cistercian settlements in spatial planning and medieval religious life in Gascony.
