ABBAYE DE POULANGY

Origins and dependencies: Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century, attested in 870, paradoxically under the authority of the bishop of Toul from 910, then returned to the authority of Langres around 1005.

Cistercian period: affiliated to Cîteaux in 1147 (probably thanks to Saint Bernard), subject to the abbey of Tart. Period marked by a fervent beginning (abbatiate of Adeline I, niece of Saint Bernard), then by the return of Benedictine customs and internal conflicts. In 1233, the Bishop of Langres regained control and put an end to the Cistercian experiment: the "graft" had not taken.

Back to Benedictinism: After 1233, Poulangy became a Benedictine abbey under strong episcopal supervision. From 1296 onwards, the bishop controlled appointments and revenues, causing constant tension with abbesses jealous of their independence. Three priories depended on it (Mont-le-Franois, Vaudey, Orimont).

Patrimony and temporal estate: Little is known about the temporal estate, but it is attested by a few revenues, gifts of land and farms (barns, mills) mainly in and around the Traire valley.

Architecture and material remains: The medieval abbey has disappeared (destroyed during the French Revolution, including the abbey church and surrounding walls). All that remains are the monumental porch, the Chapter Gate and a few houses. The complex formed a vast enclosed rectangle, organized into two courtyards (abbey below and abbey above), with cloister, cemetery, abbot?s palace, gardens and pond.

DATAtourisme France