Septfontaines Abbey was founded in the early 13th century. Around 1123, Jobert, a priest from the Ardennes, settled in a hermitage in the wild valley of Franchevaux, a few kilometres north of today's abbey. A small community gathered around him, adopting the rule of Saint Augustine. Around 1125, the foundation moved to the current site of the abbey and was given the name Septfontaines by the Bishop of Langres.
In 1138, it was confirmed by a papal bull and attached to the Prémontré Order, which had just been founded by Saint Norbert. From then on, its mission was the same as that of this institute: community life in the service of the Church, hospitality and social commitment to the most disadvantaged. Her patron saints are Notre Dame and Saint Nicolas. It remained part of the Prémontré Order until the French Revolution.
From the 12th to the 14th century, Septfontaines developed rapidly under the protection of the Counts of Champagne and the local lords. It founded the abbey of Mureau, as well as the neighbouring village of Blancheville. In 1299, Phillipe le Bel, King of France, and his wife Jeanne de Navarre, Countess of Champagne, elevated the abbey to the rank of royal abbey. The fleur-de-lys now adorned its coat of arms. In the 14th century, however, the abbey suffered the effects of the turmoil and wars raging in France, and the buildings were destroyed or badly damaged.
It underwent two major reconstructions: in the 15th century under Pierre Thomassin d'Andelot, and in the 17th and 18th centuries under the reformed Premonstratensians, who once again brought it prosperity for more than a century. After the French Revolution, it was used as a farm by its new owners, and the estate was divided into three distinct parts. The nave of the church and part of the buildings collapsed, and the abbey almost disappeared again.
But it was given a new lease of life in 1886 when it was bought by Count Théodore Ducos, son of Napoleon III's Minister of the Navy and Anne Joly, a native of Haute-Marne. Théodore Ducos undertook a major restoration, adding buildings and architectural features that blended harmoniously with the ancient heritage. On his death, the abbey, which had become a fine residence, passed into the public domain for a time and became a museum. However, once again in a state of disrepair, it reverted to the heirs of Comte Ducos.
Today, it is the great-grandniece of the Comte Ducos who, with her family and the new generation, is looking after the abbey in the spirit in which it was founded.
The Abbaye de Septfontaines in Haute-Marne is a haven in the heart of nature. It is open from May to October, by the night or for all-inclusive weekend or weekly stays, to travellers and tourists who love heritage and to companies looking for a unique address for their events and training courses. A conference area can be reserved for private use. The abbey gîte is open all year round for seasonal lets. An annual programme of events (concerts, exhibitions, family days) gives visitors from near and far the chance to enjoy the rare tranquillity of this place in the summer months. More information on our website.
What to see: 18th-century convent buildings (inner courtyard, former cloister, beautiful 17th-century staircase, former monks' refectory), church choir, tombstones, post-romantic bell tower, monumental entrance, former gatehouse, fountain, dovecote, park (pond, fountains, rockeries, canals).
Abbaye Saint-Nicolas de Septfontaines
