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Saint-Arnoult (Profondeval)

At the bend of the road from Merlemont, a rocky path leads to the secluded abbaye of Saint-Arnoult, named so by popular tradition. Actually it is a cistercian barn with a XIIth century roman chapel on its side. Some lay friars lived here, did farming and breeding as well as they made wine. Documents testify to the neglected state of repair of the buildings that were to be pulled dawn. Robert Defrance discovered them in 1969. After 40 years' restoration, the medieval building, the XVIth century dwelling, the porch and the chapel have recovered their beauty. The medieval hall with its huge fire place, its twin windows with seats feels a charming atmosphere. The chapel, after being turned into stables for a while has regained its former purity. The chancel with its five cut-off corners each one with oblong windows on top of which small columns. The tombstone of saint Arnoult, hermit and healer, has returned to its former site. This place is ideal for concerts. The simple beauty of the buildings is enhanced by the medieval garden where its medicinal and aromatic herbs, the scented roses are displayed in a symbolical way.