Foundation of the Order of the Ladies of Instruction
Foundation of the Order of the Ladies of Instruction 1665 (≈ 1665)
Created by Anne Marie Martel and Abbé Tronon.
1835
Date engraved on the cartridge
Date engraved on the cartridge 1835 (≈ 1835)
Ornament of the front door.
1955
Departure of the last beat
Departure of the last beat 1955 (≈ 1955)
End of the presence of the beatates.
22 octobre 1971
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 22 octobre 1971 (≈ 1971)
Official building registration.
2012
Restoration and reopening
Restoration and reopening 2012 (≈ 2012)
Reception of pilgrims and chapel.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs (cad. AB 40): inscription by order of 28 May 1979
Key figures
Anne Marie Martel - Co-founder of the Order of the Ladies of Instruction
Initiator of the educational project in 1665.
Abbé Tronson - Co-founder of the Order of the Ladies of Instruction
Collaborator of Anne Marie Martel in 1665.
Origin and history
The Maison de l'Instruction so-called Assemblée de la Clauze is an emblematic monument located in Grèzes, in the Haute-Loire department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Built in the 18th century, it depicts an institution that today disappeared but played a key role in the Velay until the 19th century. These buildings, built collectively by villagers, served as gathering places for educational, religious and community activities. They were closely linked to the Order of the Ladies of Instruction and the Beatas, women living in isolated hamlets to teach, support families and organize prayers.
The origin of this institution dates back to 1665, when Anne Marie Martel and Abbé Tronson gathered benefactors to educate children in hospitals and assemblies. This momentum gave rise to the Order of the Ladies of Instruction, living in community, and to a brotherhood of beatates placed under their supervision. The beatates, installed in houses like the Clauze, resided there until their progressive disappearance, the last beat of this site leaving in 1955. Their mission combined teaching, helping families and organizing local religious life.
The house of La Clauze, typical of these buildings, consists of a unique room with a deep fireplace serving both kitchen and heating. The furniture, including a closed bed, closets, shelves and a pantry, remained in excellent condition. A milling ladder leads to an attic, while the stations of a cross road and children's benches recall its educational and religious vocation. A cartridge dated from 1835 adorns the front door, and a small courtyard close of stone walls completes the whole. The house, restored in 2012, now welcomes the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela and serves as a chapel for the hamlet.
Classified as historical monuments since October 22, 1971, this house symbolizes a unique architectural and social heritage. Its preservation perpetuates the memory of the beatates and their role in the education and cohesion of the rural communities of Velay. The recent renovation has given this place a spiritual and cultural function, while honouring its centuries-old history.
