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Varennes

In 1148, Ebbe II of Deols initiated the founding of the Abbaye of Varennes. Seven years later, in1155, Henry II Plantagenet intervened and replaced the foundation stone naming it the Abbaye of Our Lady of Varennes, daughter of the Vauluisant Order. Varennes has survived through many difficult periods of history, notably during the Wars of Religion. It continued, although in decline, until its sale in 1790. Unfortunately, all of the archives were destroyed during the Revolution and thus little is known about its history. Having lost its initial medieval splendour, the Abbaye of today is comparable to its state in the 18th century. Nothing remains of the original 12th c. church except its central nave. The dormitory of the lay monks, which was renovated in 1725 by the priest for his own accommodation, still retains elements of one side of the original cloister gallery. Significant remains of the Refectory and Chauffoir still exist. The Abbot's residence built in 1698 complete the ensemble. When seeing Varennes one does not think of a large religious community of the Middle Ages. However, contrary to the magnificently restored Abbayes one can understand what was, from the Renaissance to the Revolution, the life of the priest and the few remaining monks who were still living in these types of abbayes, sharing their time between the management of important estates and religious practices within the neighbouring parishes.