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Origin and history

Mazan Abbey, founded in 1120 in a mountainous area at an altitude of more than 1,100 metres, is one of the first Cistercian abbeys in France. Its origin dates back to a community of hermits settled by the bishop of Viviers, Léger, on lands given by Pierre Itier, seigneur of Géorand. These hermits, after a passage to the abbey of Bonnevaux, returned in 1123 under the leadership of Pierre Itier and Amédée d'Hauterive to officially found the abbey, whose church was consecrated the same year.

Between 1119 and 1123, a first church was built, but the present abbey, of which remains, probably dates back to the years 1140-1150. The monastic buildings were erected between 1136 and 1217. The abbey thrives rapidly thanks to donations from local lords, extending its land estate in the Loire and Ardèche valleys. She founded several abbey-daughters, including Sylvanes (1132), Le Thoronet (after 1136), Sénanque (1148), and Bonneval (1147-1161), while affiliating Florièyes.

In the 13th century, Mazan Abbey reached its peak, with such a vast heritage that it attracted lusts. To protect themselves from looting during the Hundred Years' War, the monks fortified the monastery. However, from 1469 onwards, the abbey fell under the regime of commende, where the abbots, now outside the community, neglected the monastic rule. In 1661, only a dozen monks lived there, then six at the French Revolution, which finally closed the abbey in 1790.

The ruins of the abbey, abandoned, began to generate heritage interest in the 19th century. In 1847, the church was classified as a historical monument, but it was already partially dismantled to build a new parish church. It was not until 1946 that the remains were officially classified, and clearance was undertaken in 1966-67. These excavations reveal architectural similarities between Mazan, Senanque and Le Thoronet, confirming Mazan's influence on his abbey-daughters.

The foundation of the abbey is marked by two contradictory texts: a charter of the bishop of Viviers (1123) evoking hermits, and a narrative on Amédée d'Hauterive. Lucien Parat solves this contradiction by explaining a foundation in two stages: installation of hermits in 1119, then attachment to the Cistercian order in 1121 via Bonnevaux. The family of Chanaleilles plays an important role in the history of the abbey, providing several abbots and being buried there.

Mazan Abbey illustrates the Cistercian expansion in the 12th century, despite a hostile environment. Its decline, accelerated by commende, reflects that of many European abbeys. Today, its ruins, owned by the commune, bear witness to its glorious past and its architectural and spiritual influence in Auvergne and Provence.

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