Clairvaux Abbey in Ville-sous-la-Ferté

25 December 2023 | Author/Destination: | Rubric: General Reading Time:  10 minutes

Clairvaux Abbey, from 1808 to 2022 Clairvaux Prison © KBWEi

Clairvaux Abbey, from 1808 to 2022 Clairvaux Prison © KBWEi

Clairvaux Abbey (Latin: Clara Vallis, “bright valley”) was a Cistercian monastery in Ville-sous-la-Ferté, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Bar-sur-Aube. The original building, founded in 1115 by Bernard of Clairvaux, is now in ruins; the present structure dates from 1708. Clairvaux Abbey was a good example of the general layout of a Cistercian monastery. The abbey has been listed since 1926 as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture. From 1808 until 2022, the grounds were occupied and used by Clairvaux Prison, a high-security prison.   read more…

Theme Week Champagne – Troyes

22 March 2014 | Author/Destination: | Rubric: General Reading Time:  5 minutes

Old Town © KBWEi

Old Town © KBWEi

Troyes is a commune and the capital of the Aube department. It is located on the Seine river about 150 km (93 mi) southeast of Paris. Many half-timbered houses (mainly of the 16th century) survive in the old town. Troyes has been in existence since the Roman era, as Augustobona Tricassium, which stood at the hub of numerous highways, primarily the Via Agrippa. The inhabitants of the commune are called Troyens.   read more…

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