Abbaye de Bonnefontaine – Blanchefosse-et-Bay

The white stones contrast with the surrounding greenery. The abbey of Bonnefontaine has kept its superb. Built in 1152, the building now houses the remains of Nicolas III.

At the time, the founder, Nicolas III de Rumigny, had wanted to build one of the largest abbeys in the department. On his return from the crusade, he donated what remained of his property to Bernard, Grand Abbot of Clairvaux. With Samson de Mauvoisin, Archbishop of Reims, they founded the abbey in 1152. The construction of the abbey lasted more than 50 years. The stones used came from a quarry in Bossus-les-Rumigny, a direct route had been traced. Initially, twelve Cistercian monks from the abbey of Signy-l'Abbaye made up the community. It is hard to imagine today, but the Abbey was a real hive of activity. It could accommodate 2.000 pilgrims.

In 1789, the Revolution spread to the countryside and in a few weeks, the building was completely destroyed by the revolutionaries.

Opposite the ruins of the Abbey is the still intact 17th century cloister.

For more than 200 years, the Lamotte D'Argy family has owned the ruins. It is she who, even today, maintains the heritage dear to this department.