Foundation of the Abbey 1139 (≈ 1139)
Created by Cistercians in 1139.
1711-1756
Reconstruction of buildings
Reconstruction of buildings 1711-1756 (≈ 1734)
Conventuals, barn and hotels rebuilt.
1792
Sale as a national good
Sale as a national good 1792 (≈ 1792)
Turned into a blast furnace until 1844.
1844
Return of Cistercian monks
Return of Cistercian monks 1844 (≈ 1844)
Reoccupation after industrial period.
1845
Addition of the neo-gothic choir
Addition of the neo-gothic choir 1845 (≈ 1845)
Modification of the medieval church.
1995
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1995 (≈ 1995)
Protection of buildings and outbuildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church; buildings that surround the cloister and extend to the Audeux; facades and roofing of the north wing of the convent buildings bordering the Audeux, the western outbuildings, the hotel, the northeast mill; fireplace and decoration of the room on the ground floor of the chaplaincy (cad. 19, 20, 17, 12): inscription by decree of 25 April 1995
Key figures
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The source text does not mention any names.
Origin and history
The Abbey of Grace-Dieu, located in Chaux-lès-Passavant in the Doubs, is a Cistercian abbey founded in 1139. Its 12th century church was completed in 1845 by a neo-Gothic choir. The convent buildings were largely rebuilt between 1711 and 1756, including the barn and the hotel. Sold as a national property in 1792, the abbey was transformed into a blast furnace until 1844, when the Cistercian monks reinvested the site.
In 1853, a hydraulic mill was built on four levels, replacing former settlements. This mill, now disused, retained its interior arrangements (mechanical transmissions), although without milling machines. The abbey, classified as Historical Monument in 1995, protects notably the church, the buildings of the cloister, and outbuildings such as chaplaincy and hotel.
After a period of monastic activity until 2008, the abbey is now run by a cult association. Its architectural heritage reflects successive transformations, mixing medieval elements (XII century), 18th century reconstructions, and 19th century additions such as the mill or the neo-Gothic choir. Industrial and religious remains bear witness to its turbulent history, between monastic life, revolution, and economic reuse.
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