The actual church is Gothic style and was built on the foundation of an original Romanesque Chapel, which had become too small for the ever increasing number of monks. The church suffered the effects of the Hundred Years War and religious wars that followed...
Fortunately, in 1791, a Mr. Granier purchased the abbey, which had been confiscated as a national property. He turned the church into a wine cellar and lined the walls of the nave with huge wine vats. His act prevented the destruction of the church...as most of these old churches were torn down and used as stone quarries.
On the south gallery of the cloister is an octagonal structure containing a lavabo, fed by a spring. The lavabo is opposite the refectory, so the monks could cleanse their hands before meals.
The vineyard was originally established by the Cisterian monks in the 12th century and has continued to be cultivated on the land ever since, hence the name...The Church of the Vines...
In the background of the photo, you can see wine vats stacked in the vineyard, awaiting harvest. I think I will go have a taste of history...
Love,
Henri
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