The abbey, situated 100 km north of Paris, was founded by St Bernard in the 12th century. The gothic church, almost as large as ND de Paris, was consecrated in 1227, in the presence of Louis IX and Blanche de Castille. During the french revolution, it was sold to buyers who quickly recovered the cost by demolishing the abbey and selling it, stone by stone. The monks living quarters were restored during the 18th century and became a private residence.