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Origin and history

The convent of the Cordeliers of Châtillon-sur-Seine was founded in 1226 in the suburbs of the Temple, south-west of the city, by the Franciscan Rodolphe of Assisi, sent to France by Saint Francis of Assisi. Approved by Gregory IX in 1227, its construction was completed around 1248 thanks to the financing of the Dukes of Burgundy Hugues IV and Robert II. The church, dedicated to the Annunciation, included a seigneurial chapel.

During the Wars of Religion, the convent was almost entirely destroyed in 1594 by Baron Thenissey, who razed the suburbs to obstruct the royal troops. Only the church was partially spared. The reconstruction began in 1608, with the cloister rebuilt around 1645 thanks to Louis Vignier, Baron of Ricey. Work continued until 1688, assisted by donations from Louis XIV (2000 pounds in 1687, 5200 pounds in 1690).

In 1705-1711 the church, weakened, was consolidated. The convent adopted the Franciscan rule in 1503, then joined the Minor Conventual Brothers in 1771. Sold as a national property in 1791, it became a hotel in 1811 after the partial demolition of the church and the southern cloister in 1832. Transformed into private housing in 2002, it preserves 13th century remains and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1982.

The trapezoidal site had a cloister with four vaulted galleries. Today, it forms a U open to the south, incorporating remains of the medieval church. Its history is marked by destruction, reconstruction and reallocation, reflecting the political and religious upheavals of France.

The convent was also the headquarters of Marshal Joffre in 1914, where the victorious counter-offensive of the Marne started. This military dimension adds a historical layer to this monument, a symbol of architectural and cultural resilience.

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