In 1120, a group of hermits gathered around a spring (the origin of the name Chancelade) organized themselves into a community, adopted the rule of Saint Augustine and founded theabbey of Chancelade.
The abbey grew rapidly, suffering the 100 Years' War and then the Wars of Religion. At the end of the latter, all that remained were ruins and a few canons. In 1614, the young Alain de Solminihac agreed to succeed his uncle as abbot of Chancelade. After his ordination, he moved to Chancelade and successfully undertook the reform of his abbey.
The monastery enjoyed great renown before being largely destroyed during the French Revolution. In 1789, all monastic presence disappeared until 1992. In that year, the bishop asked the community of Canons Regular of Saint-Victor at Saint-Astier to take charge of the parish of Chancelade. The community settled permanently at Chancelade in 1998, with plans underway to restore the Logis Abbatial as a spiritual center open to all.
Today, you can visit the abbey church, owned by the Commune and entrusted to the Chanoines Réguliers de Saint Victor for the exercise of Catholic worship, and the chapel of Saint Jean, consecrated parish church in 1147 (owned by the diocese). The park, largely private, is open for walks, and you can admire the Logis Abbatial, owned by the Community and currently being restored.
Abbey of Chancelade was last modified: August 22nd, 2020 by The Friends of Abbaye de Chancelade
Equipment
Pricing details
free visit, explanatory booklet available, in French or English, offered by the association (donations possible)
guided tours by Friends on site, subject to availability; guided tours by appointment by e-mail or telephone (donations possible)
for groups €2.50 per person
Dates and times
open from 8.00am to 8.00pm every day, the abbey church is open to visitors except during services (8.00am-8.15am; 12.15pm-12.30pm; 5.45pm-7.15pm) and religious celebrations (Sunday masses at 11.00am, weddings, christenings, funerals, etc.).
