Ruins of Vauclair Abbey

The monastery was founded in 1134 by Bernhard von Clairvaux and was a daughter monastery of the Clairvaux primary abbey. Because of the rapid growth of the abbey, a new abbey was built in the 12th century. Vauclair founded the daughter monasteries Le Reclus (1142) and La Charmoye (1167). The monastery suffered during the Hundred Years War and the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, but unlike most monasteries in France, it never fell into the coming. The monastery was rebuilt in the 17th century. Most of the buildings remained intact until after the French Revolution, in which they were divided among various new owners. The fighting at the Chemin de Dames in 1917 brought severe destruction, especially to the construction of the conversions. After the First World War, the ruins were used as a quarry. Anselme Dimier began excavations in 1966. In Vauclair there is a medicinal herb garden and a garden for old types of fruit. The complex is maintained by the Association des Amis de Vauclair.

A vestige of a glorious past, this Sistercian abbey was founded in 1134.
Its proximity to the Chemin des Dames caused it heavy damage during the First World War.
This site is now peaceful, is at the crossroads of 2 marked hikes. Ideal for a picnic.