History

The village’s history is intimately linked with Saint Anthony of Egypt whose relics, brought back from the Crusades, possessed the power to cure “Mal des Ardents” (ergotic poisoning).

From the XIIth. century on, the Hospitallers welcomed pilgrims and patients and organised the first “Civil Hospitals”. Later they became Canons of the Order of the Antonines, and were reputed for their innovative medical science. The latter worked as Councillors and Diplomats in the important royal Courts and their influence spread all over Europe (there were more than 200 commanderies).

The Abbey is a flamboyant Gothic constuction and a marvellous relic of a past glory.

Just click on an event on the frieze to find details for each date… and visit the departmental museum located in a former novitiate (free entrance).