Valloires Abbey

Valloires Abbey, established in 1158 AD in Argoules, France, is a significant historical Cistercian monastery. Initially founded through an agreement in 1138 between Count Guy II of Ponthieu and Cistercian monks, it quickly became a prosperous center, housing around one hundred monks at its zenith in the 12th and 13th centuries. The abbey's wealth facilitated early construction in the rib-vaulted style by 1226. It also served as the resting place for most Counts of Ponthieu from the 12th to the 14th centuries.

Historical Challenges and Reconstruction

The abbey endured considerable hardship during the Hundred Years' War and the Thirty Years' War, suffering from military operations and pillage. Following the Battle of Crécy, it was utilized to treat injured combatants. By the 17th century, much of the abbey lay in ruins. A substantial rebuilding effort was undertaken, largely completed around 1730. However, the preserved 13th-century sections collapsed in 1738, necessitating the construction of a new church, which began in 1741 under architect Raoul Coignard and was consecrated in 1756. During the French Revolution, the abbey was sold in 1791 to a local lord, Jourdain de l'Eloge, which helped protect it from further damage.

Transition to Philanthropy and Modern Use

In the 19th century, Valloires Abbey transitioned through various hands, including the lay brotherhood of the Basilians and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, serving as an orphanage. After being sold again in 1906 and classified as a historic monument, it fell into disuse. It was later used as a military hospital during World War I. In 1922, it was transformed into a preventorium for children by Thérèse Papillon. Today, the abbey is managed by a non-profit association dedicated to child welfare, focusing on children in need and those with complex behavioral challenges. The organization opens the abbey to paying visitors from March to November and offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation in its historic suites, supporting its philanthropic mission.

The Gardens of Valloires

Adjacent to the abbey are the Jardins de Valloires, an eight-hectare garden created in 1989, featuring a collection of over 4000 rare plants. Landscape gardener Gilles Clément designed the gardens, integrating the natural environment with the site's historic character. The gardens are divided into three distinct areas: a formal garden, an English-style garden housing the rare plant collection, and a marsh wilderness garden. A recent addition is a garden dedicated to the naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.