Founded in 1057 by the same Robert of Turland than that of La Chaise-Dieu, for Benedictine nuns, Lavaudieu Abbey, in Haute-Loire, is a remarkable Romanesque ensemble made up of an abbey and its XNUMXth century cloister, refectory decorated with a large fresco of Byzantine influence from the XNUMXth century, and an old abbey church of Saint-André whose bell tower was truncated during the Revolution.
A church, which conceals a marvelous set of Italian School murals (XNUMXth century) on the walls of the nave: scenes from the Passion and a very curious allegory of the Black Death. The remarkable octagonal bell tower overlooks the abbey.
A remarkable Romanesque cloister in one of the most beautiful villages in France
On the banks of the Senouïre, in this town labeled “Most beautiful villages in France“, the abbey also presents one of the jewels of the village: a remarkable cloister dating from the XNUMXth century which is a masterpiece ofAuvergne Romanesque art. Its single, twin columns with beautifully carved capitals support its wooden gallery.
Visits to Lavaudieu Abbey and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions take place from May to September. During the winter period, contact Janette Clemensat, independent tour guide.
