The founder of the Abbey of Chaise-Dieu (Haute-Loire) is Saint Robert of Turlande. A hermit who is also the son of an Auvergne lord. Which makes things a bit easier, though!
In 1043, he arrived with two companions on a wild granite plateau, at an altitude of more than 1,000 m. The ideal place according to them to live in contact with God. In silence and prayer.
They settle near a small chapel to lead this life of poverty and isolation. Robert welcomes the poor who come to him and heals them. Miracles are multiplying. And extend its fame.
After ten years, faced with the influx of people wishing to share his life, Robert decided to found a monastery.
The main funders of this project? The family of Turlande and the count of Auvergne.
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A royal abbey
In 1052, he obtained the privileges of Pope Leo IX and of the King of France Henri I for his abbey. Which becomes a royal abbey.
Robert chooses the monastic rule of Saint Benedict. The brothers live to the rhythm of the offices which punctuate the day and night.
Until his death, Robert roamed the Massif Central to restore churches and monasteries. And found others.
The abbey becomes the second in Europe, after Cluny.
Upon his death, Robert was canonized by the Pope. His tomb is the subject of a pilgrimage.
The influence of the abbey then continues to expand. Until Spain and Italy.
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A monk from the abbey becomes pope
In 1342, a former monk from the Abbey of Chaise-Dieu became Pope. Under the name of Clement VI.
Between 1344 and 1352, he had a new Gothic abbey built in place of the old Romanesque church. By calling on the greatest architects of the time.
The imposing building has XXL dimensions: 75 m long, 24 m wide and 18 m high.
Upon his death, Clement VI was buried in the abbey. In a tomb of black marble, supporting a recumbent statue of white marble.
Subsequently, the abbots, from rich families, continued the embellishment work.
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A difficult period
In the 16th century, Calvinist troops seized the Chaise-Dieu. They ransack it. In particular the recumbent statue of Clement VI.
In 1640, the abbey was attached to the congregation of Saint-Maur. The monks of Chaise-Dieu, weakened in number and in financial means, were forced to accept.
The abbey is restored. The restored tomb of Clement VI.
But during the French Revolution, the Chaise-Dieu had to close. Like all monasteries.
However, the abbey church is relatively protected by the inhabitants of La Chaise-Dieu.
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Renewal
In 1847, theabbey is classified as historical monuments by Prosper Mérimée. This allows it to be maintained and restored.
Since 1984, monastic life has resumed at Chaise-Dieu.
The Saint-Jean community now occupies the premises. The spirit of Saint Robert continues to blow over the abbey …
