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Origin and history

The Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Acey, founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, was established in the valley of the Ognon in Vitreux, Franche-Comté. Born from Cherlieu Abbey, it is richly endowed by Renaud III of Burgundy and other lords, with lands, forests and fishing rights. Its development was marked by political conflicts, notably the schism between Emperor Frédéric Barberousse and Pope Alexander III, who temporarily dispersed the monks and confiscated their property. A papal bubble of 1182 restored his possessions, and in 1186, monks of Acey were sent to Hungary to restore the abbey of Pilis.

In the Middle Ages, the abbey prospered despite management crises, such as the controls imposed by Pope John XXII in the 14th century. Wars (Franco-bourguignon conflict, Big Companies, Hundred Years' War) and looting weaken the monastery, aggravated by the regime of commende from the 15th century. The destructions were increasing: in 1477 Louis XI's troops ravaged the abbey, then the Wars of Religion and the Ten Years' War (1634-1644) reduced the community to six monks. A fire in 1683 finished ruining the buildings, already weakened by the collapse of the bell tower in 1650.

Sold as a national property in 1791, the abbey was bought in 1829 by Marianist sisters, who established a boarding school for young girls. After their departure in 1853, Benedictines, then Trappists tried to settle there without success until 1872, when a community from Notre-Dame des Dombes and Aiguebelle settled there for a long time. The church, rebuilt in Cistercian style between 1909 and 1910, was classified as a historical monument in 1971. In the 21st century, the abbey, still active with a community of Trappist monks, derives its income from the rental of agricultural land and an electrolysis plant.

The architecture of the abbey combines elements of the 12th century (initial church), 18th century reconstructions (abbatial quarter, cloister) and modern restorations. The church, reduced to eight spans and a flat bedside, preserves contemporary stained glass windows created between 1990 and 1995 by Jean Ricardon and Pierre-Alain Parot. The site, partially open to the public, also includes agricultural and industrial buildings, which are evidence of its adaptation to successive periods.

Notre-Dame d'Acey Abbey is the only Cistercian abbey still occupied in Franche-Comté. Its filiation dates back to Cherlieu (XII century), and it now depends on the Abbey of Aiguebelle. Its history reflects the political and religious upheavals of the region, from the German Empire to the French Revolution, to the wars of Burgundy and Franco-Spanish conflicts. The present community perpetuates the Cistercian monastic tradition, while adapting to modern economic challenges.

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