A solitary monk's retreat

The **Prieuré Notre-Dame et Saint-Étienne de Villiers** was a remote haven for monks in 12th-century France, founded by the disciples of Saint Étienne de Muret, who died on February 8, 1124, under the patronage of Henry II Plantagenet, King of England and Count of Touraine This priory was a part of the Order of Grandmont, an ascetic monastic order, renowned for their connection to the wilderness. Now, standing where once the forest echoed with the quiet chants of the monks, we catch glimpses of their simple, disciplined lives.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons