Whispered Tales from the Abbey of Aulps: A French Alps Conundrum

Nestled in the French Alps, Aulps Abbey emerged in the final months of the 11th century, the domain of a troupe of monks originating from Molesme Abbey in Burgundy, including Guarinus from Sitten, who later became the second abbot and rose to sainthood as Saint Guarinus. Or was Aulps Abbey known by another name, or was St Jean-d'Aulps simply a title bestowed in 1961?

From the care of the Cistercian Order since 1136, the abbey became a revered destination for pilgrims seeking Saint Guarinus' relics, yet it was also a power struggle ground between the Counts of Savoy and lords of Faucigny, with some even ascending to the rank of bishops. A holy sanctuary indeed, but a theatre for power games, didn't it?

In 1792, the French invaded the Savoy, driving out the final monks. By 1823, the abbey had been suppressed. Yet, the final inhabitants, mining the deserted monastery for stone, were noteworthy. The abbey's estate, under the ownership of Ernest Tavernier, managed to preserve the abbey's remnants from disappearing into the annals of time.

Today, the three-hectare property showcases agricultural structures, cellars, a gatehouse, and a medicinal garden. The church's facade, a silent reminder of the abbey's once lofty grandeur, endures till this day. Inside, the nave and side aisles are covered in ribbed vaults, while a rose window takes centre stage, adorned under a vast load-bearing arch.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons