Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Sainte-Marie de Valmagne Abbey, located in Villeveyrac, Hérault, was founded in 1138 by Raymond Trencavel, Viscount de Béziers. Initially Benedictine, she joined the Cistercian order in 1145 under the impulse of Saint Bernard. Its rapid development in the 12th century was based on donations and agricultural barns, making it one of the richest abbeys in southern France.

In the 13th century, Valmagne reached its peak: a new Gothic church was built from 1257, replacing the too small Romanesque building. The cloister was rebuilt in the 14th century, and the abbey had up to 300 monks. Its influence extends through urban possessions (Montpellier, Béziers) and a vineyard of 5 hectares, inspired by Burgundy techniques.

The Hundred Years' War and the Black Plague (1348) marked the beginning of its decline. The wars of Religion in the 16th century caused major destruction: broken stained glass, damaged cloister, and massacre of monks. In 1575, Abbé Vincent Concomblet, converted to Protestantism, was seated even the abbey. The monks returned to the 17th century, but Valmagne was transformed into an episcopal palace by Cardinal Pierre de Bonzi, who added a staircase of honour and a French garden.

The French Revolution rang the abbey: sacked in 1790, its last three monks went into exile in Barcelona. Sold as a national property in 1791, it became a wine cellar under M. Granier-Joyeuse, with lightnings installed in the chapels. Repurchased in 1838 by the Count of Turenne, she has since remained in her progeny, dedicated to viticulture.

Ranked a historic monument in 1997, Valmagne now combines heritage and wine-growing activities. Its 83-metre Gothic church, its 14th-century cloister, and its 12th-century capitular hall bear witness to its past. The estate produces AOC wines on 75 hectares, perpetuating a nine-century Cistercian tradition.

The abbey has been hosting tourist visits since 1975 and cultural events. Its medieval garden, octagonal sink, and historic lightnings make it a unique site, where sacred architecture, turbulent history, and wine-growing terroir blend together.

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