Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The abbey of Laval Dieu, located at Monthermé in the Great East, was founded in 1128 by Ithier de Rethel and Archbishop Renauld de Martigné for canons of the order of Premontré, under the name of Saint Remi. Its name, Vallis Dei ("Valley of God"), reflects its implantation at the confluence of the Meuse and the Semoy. The first donations, such as that of Gauthier de Saint-Maurice or Nicolas de Chièvres (bishop of Cambrai in 1141), allowed his development, although his income remained modest (200 pounds in 1346).

In the 17th century, the abbey was attached to France (1629) and partially rebuilt after arson in 1696 by soldiers of Maastricht. The west facade, rebuilt in Flemish Baroque style (bricks and yellow stone), bears witness to this period. The French Revolution led to its dissolution in 1791: the goods were sold to a local glassmaker, Sieur Grimblot, and the buildings, already transformed, were destroyed during the bombings of 1940. Only the chapel, with its 18th century woodwork and medieval burial slabs, remains.

The abbey played a notable cultural role: composer Étienne Nicolas Méhul studied music there under the direction of Canon Guillaume Hanser, who had founded a school there. The organ buffet of 1771 and the painted ceilings (1767), decorated with religious symbols such as the Malta Cross, are remarkable remains. Classified as a historical monument in 1963, it now hosts events such as the Legends Spring.

Among the 45 successive abbots, some marked his history, such as Hubert Gobert (abbé from 1458 to 1471, then general of the Prémontrés), or Remacle Lissoir (last abbot, died in 1806). The archives of the Abbey, transferred to Charleville-Mézières, have 300 documents and plans. The site also preserves Romanesque elements (lombard striped cap, tower) dating from the consecration of 1134, as well as a rose marble portal engraved with Adorate and Timete motto.

External links