Foundation of the Abbey 1132 (≈ 1132)
Creation of the Cistercian Abbey of Longpont.
1196
Urban presence in Soissons
Urban presence in Soissons 1196 (≈ 1196)
Monastic houses certified in town.
XIIIe siècle
Construction of the first cellars
Construction of the first cellars XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Built-up vaulted cellars.
XVIe siècle
Abandonment and transformation
Abandonment and transformation XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Houses converted into private hotels.
1859-1860
Construction of the gendarmerie
Construction of the gendarmerie 1859-1860 (≈ 1860)
Current building on the monastic site.
1988
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1988 (≈ 1988)
Protection of cells (Decree of 27/05).
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Celliers, under the present gendarmerie (Case AD 98): entry by order of 27 May 1988
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any names.
Origin and history
The Cistercian abbey of Longpont, founded in 1132, was permanently established in the Soissons region. As early as 1196, it owned houses in the city as relays between its production centres and the retail outlets. These buildings, abandoned or transformed into private hotels at the end of the sixteenth century, illustrate its major economic role, particularly in the marketing of wine.
The most notable remains of this abbey are its cellars, located under the present gendarmerie of Soissons (built in 1859-1860). Two sets remain: a first vaulted cellar dating from the 13th century, and a second from the 16th century, accompanied by a 13th century vaulted gallery in a broken cradle. These cellars, of exceptional size, attest to the importance of viticulture for monks.
Classified as a Historical Monument in 1988, these cellars (AD 98) represent the only accessible remains of the former monastic house. Their preservation offers a rare testimony of medieval storage techniques and the economic organization of Cistercian abbeys. The historic address, 7 rue des Francs-Boisiers, and the current GPS coordinates (16 rue Plocq) reflect the urban transformations of Soissons.
The exact location of the abbey remains approximate (precision estimated at 5/10), but its legacy persists through these basements, owned by the department of Aisne. No information is available on any visits or services offered today.
