In 1645, the Discalced Carmelites settled at the foot of the town, occupying the sick-bay in the Faubourg de Saint-Gilles. The municipality did not authorise them to move within the city walls until 1688, as land available for construction was scarce due to the eight religious orders already present. In 1754, the Langrois architect Claude Forgeot built a new convent and chapel with a facade whose sobriety almost borders on severity. With no pediment, its two levels are softened by fins. In 1825, the minor seminary, designed to train the diocese's future priests, moved into these buildings, which were extended in 1840. In 1849, the chapel was decorated with murals by the local painter Menissier.
A little background information:
The Carmelite monks were not well liked in Langres; the 43 years it took them to be officially installed within the city walls testifies to the hostility of the City Council towards them.
In 1655, it justified its position by insisting on the fact that "half the town was occupied by ecclesiastics, by the cloisters of the chappitre, the parishes, hospitals, commenderies, priories and eight convents for men and girls.... which would have greatly reduced the former number of inhabitants of the town, for want of houses, which have become very rare and unaffordable in the town... as a result of which trade is reduced and the strength of the town weakened...".
The future will show that a less significant religious presence would not have allowed the town to develop...
Ancien couvent des Carmes
