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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Abbey of Vauluisant, founded in 1127 by Cistercian monks of Preuilly under the impulse of Saint Bernard de Clairvaux, settled in the valley of the Alain, between the forests of Othe and Lancy. Its name, Vallis Lucens ("Val lusant"), reflects its spiritual and agricultural influence. First under the protection of the Counts of Champagne, it grew rapidly thanks to land donations and became a major economic centre between Provins, Troyes and Sens. A first church was consecrated in 1144, followed by partial reconstruction in the 12th–13th centuries. Its golden age lasted two centuries, marked by an efficient farm and a flourishing monastic life.

The Hundred Years Wars (14th-15th centuries) ravaged the abbey, requiring repairs under Charles VII. In the 16th century, despite renaissance works (guest's logis, park, dovecote) and the visit of Francis I, the Wars of Religion and Royal Taxes impoverished. The commende, imposed by Cardinal de Coligny, accelerates its spiritual and financial decline. The monks sold barns to survive, and the abbey was looted several times between 1562 and 1576.

In 1636 Richelieu imposed the reform of the Stricte Observance: the reformed Cistercians restored the buildings through the sale of wood and bought the alienated farms. The abbey, in perfect condition in 1790, was closed to the Revolution. His stones are scattered, his works (such as the Tomb of the Master of Chaource) transferred to nearby churches. Ranked a historic monument in 1930 and 1951, it was bought in the 19th century by private owners, including Léopold Javal, who made it a model farm with a redesigned park in 1867–68.

Today, the abbey belongs to the Gamby family, which since the Second World War has restored elements such as the wing Francis I or the chapel of Sainte-Madeleine. Open to the public from April to October, it bears witness to nine centuries of history, from medieval cistercians to 19th century agricultural competitions, renaissance and revolutionary upheavals.

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