Foundation of the Abbey 26 juin 1137 (≈ 1137)
By monks of Morimond on given lands.
1281
Transfer of Réauville
Transfer of Réauville 1281 (≈ 1281)
Land transferred to the Count of Provence.
1791
Expulsion of monks
Expulsion of monks 1791 (≈ 1791)
Revolutionary seizure, buildings transformed into stables.
1815
Restoration by Trappists
Restoration by Trappists 1815 (≈ 1815)
Return of monks after 25 years of abandonment.
1873
Destructive earthquakes
Destructive earthquakes 1873 (≈ 1873)
Damage caused by a seismic swarm.
1942-1944
Role in the Resistance
Role in the Resistance 1942-1944 (≈ 1943)
Hide Jews, resistors and fake papers.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Gontard de Loup - Lord of Rochefort
Land donor in 1137.
Père Étienne - Restaurant restaurant of the Abbey
Conducts work from 1815.
Frère Luc - Trappist monk
Novice in Aiguebelle, future monk of Tibhirine.
Origin and history
The Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Aiguebelle is a Cistercian foundation established on 26 June 1137 by monks of Morimond Abbey, on lands given by Gontard de Loup, seigneur of Rochefort. Located at the borders of Dauphiné and Provence, in the current communes of Montjoyer and Réauville (Drôme), it is called aqua bella ("pure water"), with reference to its hydraulic source. As early as the 12th century, the monastery had the surrounding and prosperous lands thanks to agriculture and livestock, while building barns, one of which gave birth to the village of Montjoyer.
The 12th and 13th centuries marked the climax of the abbey, but the Hundred Years' War was long-lasting. In 1281, the abbot surrendered the land of Réauville to the Count of Provence. After centuries of dependence on this province, the abbey was attached to the Drôme after the Revolution. In 1791 the monks were expelled, and the buildings, transformed into stables or cellars, fell into ruin. It was only in 1815 that Swiss Trappists restored the site, returning to a flourishing community (233 monks in 1850) and reviving artisanal and agricultural activities, including a famous chocolate factory transferred to Donzère in 1895 to preserve the spiritual vocation of the place.
The abbey plays a discreet but crucial role during the two world wars. During World War I, his infirmary welcomed wounded soldiers. Under the occupation, the monks fabricate fake identity cards for STO refractories and hide Jews and resistors, despite the Gestapo's threats in 1944. The site, damaged by a swarm of earthquakes in 1873, now preserves a remarkable medieval architecture, with its cloister, church and converse lane, unique in France with Fontfroide. Since 1815, Aiguebelle has tried several foundations, including the abbeys Notre-Dame-des-Neiges (Ardèche) and Notre-Dame de l'Atlas (Algeria, then Morocco).
In the 21st century, the abbey still houses a community of 22 Trappist monks (2025), perpetuating a tradition of prayer, manual work and reception. Its history reflects the political and religious upheavals of France, from feudality to resistance, to 19th century restorations. The site, which is still active, bears witness to the resilience of monastic orders and their attachment to local heritage.
