Foundation of Bonneval Abbey 1147 (≈ 1147)
Abbey mother of the barn
1246
First written entry
First written entry 1246 (≈ 1246)
Pontifical Bull evoking the barn
Fin XIVe - début XVe siècle
Construction of the railway tower
Construction of the railway tower Fin XIVe - début XVe siècle (≈ 1525)
20 m current building
1777
Installation of the bell
Installation of the bell 1777 (≈ 1777)
In the opening near the shoulder
XIXe siècle
Changes in lower floors
Changes in lower floors XIXe siècle (≈ 1865)
Redesigned vaults
22 août 2016
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 22 août 2016 (≈ 2016)
Total protection of the tower
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total the attic tower, the entrance gate to the lower courtyard and its fence wall, the floor of plot 72 with the small tower covered by an imperial roof and the south support wall
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Source text without nominal reference
Origin and history
The monastic barn of La Vayssière is an outbuilding of the Cistercian abbey of Bonneval, founded in 1147 near to Espalion. Although his first written mention dates back to a pontifical bubble of 1246, his creation might be earlier. This site illustrates the economic organization of abbeys, where barns served as agricultural and storage centers for monks.
The present building, built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries, is distinguished by its imposing dimensions (20 m high and 12 m wide) and its six levels. Its stone stone masonry, decorated with red sandstone patterns, bears witness to a special architectural care. The lower vaulted floors were redesigned in the 19th century, while the third level retains medieval elements such as dust windows, chimneys and latrines.
The top floor is organized around a sculpted central pillar, supporting a pavilion structure. A bell of 1777, installed near a steeple, marks a trace after the original construction. The buildings, partly old, complete this set classified Historic Monument since 2016, including the tower, the entrance gate, and fence elements.
The location of the barn in Salles-la-Source in Aveyron reflects the strategic location of Cistercians in rural areas conducive to agriculture. These barns played a key role in the economic autonomy of the abbeys, while structuring the landscape and local life around their activities.
