ABBAYE D'AUBERIVE : CENTRE D'ART CONTEMPORAIN

A Cistercian abbey and 24th daughter house of Clairvaux, it was founded in 1135 by St. Bernard.

Reconstructed by monks in the 18th century, it was sold as a national asset at the French Revolution, becoming a cotton spinner business and holiday residence. In the 19th century it became a prison for women and the famous anarchist Louise Michel was held here. It then became a farm camp for underage delinquent boys.

It is now a cultural centre with a thriving music programme.