Abbaye de La Chaise-Dieu, Auvergne abbey

If you’ve decided to explore the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, La Chaise-Dieu is a must-see stopover on your journey. Despite its small size, the village will surprise you with its sheer size. The Abbaye de la Chaise-Dieu is a central element of this heritage. In fact, the village owes its name to the Abbey, which was rebuilt on the ruins of the “Casa Dei” monastery. The word “chaise” is derived from the Latin “Casa”, and over the centuries became “Chaise Dieu” as the French language evolved.

Download the city guide2MB

Discover our religious past of La Chaise-Dieu

As soon as you arrive, your feet will inevitably guide you to the unmissable Abbaye de La Chaise-Dieu. Founded in the Middle Ages by the Saint of the same name and rebuilt in the XIXᵉ century by Clement VI, it marks the landscape with majesty. The village of La Chaise-Dieu, with its peaceful courtyards, squares and alleyways lined with ancient houses, is an invitation to stroll, sure to delight lovers of the bucolic and authentic.

Built in the XIᵉ century on a granite plateau, over 1,000 meters above sea level in the heart of the Auvergne, theAbbaye de La Chaise-Dieu stands on the road coming from the east, from Brioude. Founded by Robert de Turlande, canon of Brioude, who sought a secluded spot for a life of prayer and solitude, this abbey overlooked the pilgrims’ paths. Closed during the Revolution in 1790, its abbey church was converted into a parish church. In the XXᵉ century, a new religious community revitalized the site, continuing to welcome pilgrims and visitors alike.

Did you know?

In 1790, theAbbey of La Chaise-Dieu was closed following a series of decisions taken by the National Assembly in 1789, marking the end of monastic life in France. Ecclesiastical property was nationalized on November 2, followed by an obligation for religious communities to declare their assets in November. In February 1790, monastic vows were prohibited and religious orders dissolved.

The closure proceeded peacefully under the supervision of Dom Pierre Terrasse, the last prior, who was later appointed mayor. He organized a calm inventory of the abbey’s possessions, including a vast library of 5,853 volumes, divided between the bishopric of Saint-Flour and the municipality of Brioude.

Although the abbey church was largely preserved by the local inhabitants, the other buildings were neglected and looted, then sold at auction in 1793. This tumultuous period subsided with the Concordat of 1801, signed between Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII, which restored a degree of peace until the Restoration, when the abbey church was converted into a parish church in 1820, replacing three former local churches which were then closed and destroyed.

Let yourself be enchanted by the organs of the Abbatiale Saint-Robert

Once inside the abbey church, marvel at the organs, witnesses to the town’s musical and artistic history. Comprising two distinct parts, the positive organ and the grand buffet, dating respectively from the XVIIᵉ and XVIIIᵉ.

After being damaged during the French Revolution, these organs were restored, regaining their voice in 1976. A second restoration, completed in 1995, fully restored them to their former glory. Today, the organs illustrate the musical magnificence ofLa Chaise-Dieu Abbey. They are not only used for liturgy, but are also a central element of the La Chaise-Dieu Festival, creating a profound link between music and historical heritage.

Vibrate to the rhythm of the Festival Musicalof La Chaise-Dieu

The Festival de La Chaise-Dieu underlines the cultural importance of the abbey. It’s a key event on the international music calendar, transforming the village each summer into a bustling hub for classical music enthusiasts. For over five decades, the festival has attracted artists and music lovers from all over the world. The program ranges from the great classics to lesser-known pieces, offering true musical diversity. The festival is a celebration of sacred and classical music, whether you’re a music lover or simply curious.

Accommodation and restaurants in and around La Chaise-Dieu

To make the most of this exceptional weekend, find accommodation and restaurants around La Chaise-Dieu.

Lodgings
Restaurants

Auberge du Ripailleur

Restaurant Le Gaspard des Montagnes

Pizzeria-Restaurant L'Escale Cuisine traditionnelle & Spécialités Sénégalaises

The fourteen Flemish tapestries of the Abbaye de la Chaise-Dieu

There’s more to come. The abbey complex at La Chaise-Dieu conceals another treasure. The precious Flemish tapestries from the XVIᵉ century are back after a meticulous restoration.

These fourteen tapestries, commissioned by theAbbé de Saint-Nectaire, are outstanding examples of Flemish art. Made from wool, linen, silk and metallic threads, they illustrate the richness and complexity of this art form.

These works, which tell stories from theOld and New Testaments, are now installed in the former Notre-Dame du Collège chapel, specially restored to house and preserve them.

Come and discover the new exhibition space, where architect Richard Goulois has created a space that respects both the historical heritage and contemporary conservation requirements.