The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Belleau, founded in the 13th century (1242), was initially a Cistercian female community dependent on Morimond. Located in the valley between the Grand Morin and the old line from Paris to Sézanne, it was transformed into a priory in 1510 due to a demographic decline in its community. His history was marked by religious and political upheavals.
In 1567, the abbey was sacked by the Huguenots, resulting in the replacement of the nuns by Cistercian monks under the authority of Clairvaux. Despite this transition, the decline continued: in 1768, only one monk remained there. The abbey was definitively dissolved during the French Revolution. The current remains, including the remains of the church, date from the 14th and 15th centuries and have been classified as Historic Monument since 1932.
Architecturally, the abbey illustrates Cistercian descent, with a first dependence on Morimond (until 1567), then Clairvaux for the male community. The buildings, located near Meilleray (Seine-et-Marne), testify to the monastic influence in this area of the Marne, formerly attached to Champagne County. Their exact location, at the 1 Chemin du Couvent, reflects their initial isolation, conducive to contemplative life.
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