ABBEYS AND MONASTERIES

Cerfroid Convent - Brumetz Trinitary Monks : 33.(0)3.23.71.44.39 Trinitary Nuns : 33.(0)3.23.71.41.85 site web : trinitairescerfroid.free.fr

Founded in 1193 by Jean de Matha, the Holy Trinity Order devoted his time during centuries for the redemption of prisoners. From the XIII° century up to the French Revolution it remained the community centre of the congregation. Sold as national property, it was bought in 1867 by Trinitary Calixte de La Providence. In 1944 the Trinitary Nuns from Valence make it their home, followed in 1986 by the Trinitary Monks, restoring to the monastery its religious activities. The Trinity House of Cerfroid, installed amid ancient ruins, is now a place of prayer, meeting and faith.

Founded in 1299 by Blanche d'Artois, Countess of Champagne and Brie, for the redemption of her two husbands and herself, this Royal Abbey was a branch of Longchamp Abbey, under the protection of Saint Louis. Destroyed in 1452, sold in 1792 as national property, part of it belongs to the association "Historical Nogent" aiming at a better knowledge of the site and of its history.

Clarisses Abbey - Nogent-l'Artaud information : association "Nogent Historique" rue des Ecoles - 02310 - Nogent-l'Artaud

Abbatial church - Essômes-sur-Marne from 21april to 16 september, on saturday, sundays and bank holiday : from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00 group visit on appointment : 33.(0)6.08.68.69.52

Founded in 1090 by Hughes de Pierrefonds, by the Saint Augustin Monastic Order, it is consecrated to the Holy Virgin. After a three weeks siege by the English, the monks beat them on september 18 th 1370, Saint Férréol day, name given then to the church. The church is a gothic style monument with imposing proportions. In the choir, are 38 stalls Renaissance style. In the south transept is a XVI° century chapel, enclosed by pillars.

Built in 1210 on the supposed emplacement of a chapel, it is built of local stone, with only a nave comprising three bays and a seven sides choir. The top of the pillars are adorned with sculptures, foliage and a bird. In 1158, the Templar Knights were given this marshy land which they cleared and drained. October 13th 1307 marked the end of their occupation of the premises, their order having been abolished by Clement V and their property given to Saint Jean de Jerusalem Hospitallers.

Commandery of Moisy - Montigny-l'Allier contact : M. Martini, tel : 33.(0)3.23.71.41.86

OUR VILLAGES CHURCHES

Built during the XII° century and after, our country churches are typical, with their low and thick-set design. They were often targets during the last wars, still bearing scars from shelling. All of them have been scheduled for repairs maintaining their original design, some of them noted for their interior disposition : sculptured beams, varnished floor tiles, mural frescoes. For safety reasons, most of them are locked. However, the names and addresses of the persons having the keys are posted on the gate of each church.