Le Prieuré de Vausse

Le Prieuré de Vausse, located in the forest of Saint-Jean close to Châtel-Gérard, was founded in the early thirteenth century by the Montreal Anseric and depended on the Abbey of Val Choues.

Overseen by the lords of Montreal and by the dukes of Burgundy, the priory received many donations and enjoyed great prosperity until the fifteenth century.

From the sixteenth century, it experienced both a financial decline and a decline in the number of monks and as a result 1763 the last monks left Vausse for the Abbey of Val Choues.

During the Revolution, the priory was sold and converted into a pottery, some of which is on display, together with the remains of the kilns.

1835 witnessed the birth of Ernest Small, who became a historian of Burgundy and set up his study at the priory.

Nowadays the priory is managed by descendants of Ernest Small. They occupy the neighbouring farm, helping to preserve this fine example of 13th century religious architecture while maintaining the agricultural activities initiated by the monks.

Guided tours allow the public to discover the history of Le Prieuré de Vausse, while exhibitions and musical and theatrical evenings provide cultural activities for the local community.