Saint-Hilaire Abbey

Saint-Hilaire, France

Originally devoted to Saint-Sernin, first bishop of Toulouse, the Saint-Hilaire abbey later took the name of Saint-Hilaire who was Bishop of Carcassonne during the 6th century, because relics of his mortal remains were apparently sheltered there.

It was during the medieval period that this locality grew in importance, the village spread around the abbey whose abbots were also the feudal lords.

Until the beginning of the 13th century, the abbey benefited from the protection of the Counts of Carcassonne. During the Crusade against the Cathars, however, the monks were accused of heresy and lost their autonomy and most of their property. The monastery itself was devastated by the Catholic Crusaders. In 1246, Saint-Louis, the French King, ordered the Seneschal of Carcassone to give back to the Abbot of Saint-Hilaire the lands which had been confiscated from Cathars.

By the 14th century, the abbey was in financial difficulty. Insecurity caused by the Hundred Years War meant the abbots had to finance the maintenance of the village fortifications, and the abbey started to decline.

According to tradition the abbey was the birthplace of the Blanquette de Limoux. During the 16th century, the monks elaborated a semisparkling wine which has become famous around the world.

During the 18th century, the French Revolution caused further financial problems for the Abbey and it was obliged to sell its land and possessions.

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Details

Founded: 8th century
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Frankish kingdoms (France)

More Information

www.payscathare.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mike Gifford (5 months ago)
Beautiful Abby. Nicely preserved.
Dorien Bot (7 months ago)
Here's an idea for a relaxing day trip: visit the abbey and buy a bottle of their refreshing sparkling wine, which you can enjoy later that same day with a nice meal. What's not to like?
Michael Kilkelly (8 months ago)
A wonderful gem, not far from Limoux. A sleepy village amidst the vineyards. Just walk in, pay your 6 euro and enjoy the tranquility of this ancient place. Takes about an hour if you like meditating in a peaceful environment. Lits of oppurtunity to download talking tours but we didn’t bother as the place spoke for itself. A very unusual exhibition of sculptures in one of the spaces. Also a very cool relief from the midday sun. Worth a visit.
Robert Sykes (2 years ago)
Lovely old Abbey, very reasonable entry price, we were hoping for some Blanquette degustation
Angela Dawber (3 years ago)
5.50 euro entry but worth it
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