The history of the former Cistercian monastery of Bellebranche

Bellebranche Abbey was founded in 1152 by monks from Louroux Abbey in Anjou. The foundation was made final on July 27, 1152, by a gift from Robert III de Sablé. His son, Robert IV de Sablé, later confirmed and augmented this gift in 1190 upon the death of his wife, Clemence of Mayenne, and his departure for the Holy Land.

The abbey's status was confirmed by several popes, including Alexander III in 1165, Urban IV in 1264, Clement IV, and Boniface VIII. The monks held the privilege of electing their own abbot and prior, a right they had confirmed by King Louis XII in 1498.

During the medieval period, the abbey became the wealthiest of the Cistercian houses in the regions of Anjou and Maine. This prosperity was built on the generosity of the lords of Sablé, Château-Gontier, Laval, Craon, Sillé, Anthenaise, and Rohan. The abbey remained a significant monastic site until it was suppressed and sold as a national asset in 1793.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons