History of the Abbey of Aigues Vives

 

Faverolles sur Cher - The church of the abbey "Our Lady of Aigues Vives" is the only testament to the important monastery of the monks of St Augustine, founded in 1147 ad, who came to Aigues Vives (Aqua Viva or running water) in 1157 ad, at which time the construction of the sanctuary was almost complete.

At first the community of monks settled at BELVAUT, which owed its creation to a hermit called GEOFFROY, who died at Montrichard with his saintly reputation intact.

A pilgrimage takes place each year at the beginning of September.

In 1147 the governor of Montrichard, GARLET, donated them the estate of Aigues Vives. The monks left BELVAUT in 1154, Belvaut became a convent in 1281.

In 1791 the abbey was put up for sale and was bought by AIMELOTde CHAILLEAUX, who was obliged to emigrate, and the abbey was put on the market again in 1795.

The new owner demolished the cloisters, sold the roof slates and the carpentry, leaving the stone arches of the nave open to the weather. The abbey should have been demolished in 1840, and was left in a state of complete abandon until 1975.

 


On the left- the interior walls of the chancel.

 

To the right- the chancel



 

Some photos

Fresque of the Virgin Mary.