Ancienne abbaye de Belleperche

English translation

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History

Abbey affiliated with the Cistercian order in 1143, which experienced remarkable development during the 13th century. Economic difficulties caused by the Franco-English wars of the late Middle Ages, the introduction of the commendatory regime in 1454, and the Wars of Religion (occupation and plundering in October-December 1572) weakened the monastery, which recovered from 1598 onwards. Gothic church (circa 1230-consecrated in 1263) restored in 1610-1613. Gothic refectory of brick and stone circa 1290-1300, partly demolished in the late 17th century (west wall preserved in full height, gable wall and doorway with voussoirs). Part of the monastic infirmary from the late 13th century preserved in the modern grain store (east, south and west walls, doorways). Gothic vaulted passage with rib vault with sculptural floral keys dated circa 1255 between the great and small cloister (destroyed circa 1610). Sold as national property at the Revolution. The church was destroyed in the years 1800-1840 (vestiges of the north aisle), half of the monks' wing, the chapter house and part of the cloister between 1845 and 1880. What is preserved: the hostelry with guest rooms, galleries, two staircases, drawing rooms and summer and winter dining rooms, prior's chamber, small abbatial apartment, grain store with three bays, part of the monastic quarter, modern refectory, kitchens. Cloister reconstructed in the 18th century while preserving the 13th-century walls, of which the west and north galleries remain. North courtyard constructed in 1701 to provide transition between the medieval sections oriented according to the cardinal points and the 18th-century buildings bordering the Garonne terrace. Refectory, drawing rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms offer a repertory of plasterwork in rocaille style (circa 1750-1765), neo-Louis XIV (circa 1780), and "à la grecque" (late 1780s). Hostelry built after 1730 with the grain store and restructuring of a return wing called the "gardeners' wing". After 1761, establishment of the south façade, opening of bays and creation of false windows painted in trompe-l'oeil, creation of the grand staircase and reception rooms. Interior modifications after 1780 on the upper floor. The fountain on the banks of the Garonne is a monumental composition created circa 1614 from sculptures and materials taken from the Gothic church.