November Novelties XI

A Christmas market in France with a history lesson for all

Sunday after church Mz and I, along with Alli and Emily, our friends from church, took off to our first Chrstmas market of the season. Valmagne Abbey Christmas Market, known as the ‘Cracker Fair’ hosted 220 international & local artisans & artists, food trucks & entertainment.

The history of this particular abbey is quite amazing and would not be known to the naked eye.

•I read about the information listed below here https://www.valmagne.com/

•Founded in 1139 and attached to the order of Cîteaux in 1159, the completion of the church and cloister was built in Romanesque style according to the principle of the Cistercian plan.

•The church could not hold the growing congregation and in 1257 the more Gothic appearance of the church was built.

•Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religions saw the abbey attacked. Monks were murdered and the places ransacked. Valmagne remained deserted for about 40 years, becoming a den of robbers.

•Monks returned to the church in the 17th Century.

•17th and 18th century Valmagne turned into an episcopal palace and was restored to its past splendor.

•The Eve of the French Revolution, the abbey witnessed 5 monks fleeing to Spain in 1791. The monk population had decreased in number from around 200 to 5.

•Revolutionary peasants looted the place and eventually the abbey was considered national property.

•A winemaker from the area purchased the property and turned it into a cellar. In 1838 it was sold again this time to a Count, who transformed the property into a wine and agricultural estate.

(Side note here are all of the Count’s titles: Henri Amedée Mercury Count of Turenne, Knight of Malta, Marquis of Anac & Monmurat, Baron of Felzins, 1st Baron of Quercy, Marshal of Cavalry Camp under Napoleon)

•I found this to be an interesting part of the history, “being quite shocked by the use of the church in a cellar,” Suzanne de Turenne, the 3rd owner now, gave back a place of worship to the abbey between 1890 and 1920, building a small chapel.

•Vineyards and wine cellars keep the place alive to date. 1n 1998 organic wine was introduced.

•Church bells were replaced in 2000, since the original bells were melted during the French Revolution(1789-1799). FASCINATING to me!