The Saint-Paul Abbey of Besançon, in the Doubs, was founded in the 7th century in the historic center of the city (in the loop formed by the course of the Doubs).
The monks observed the rule of Saint Benedict and in the 12th century, at the height of the monastery's prosperity, the convent buildings were restored. The nave will be in the 14th century. In the meantime, the site which had been built on the foundations of an old palace from the Roman period has been transformed into a collegiate church.
During the Revolution, the church was declared a "national asset" and served as a stable. Some time later, the bell tower, the transept and the choir were destroyed. During the 20th century, what remains of the Gothic nave becomes a lapidary museum then a lapidary reserve (with sculptures in particular) for the city and its museum of fine arts and archeology. Finally, in 2020, the municipality announced its intention to sell the old abbey church to a promoter committing to create shops and restaurants within the building, which would benefit from careful restoration.
The old convent buildings have been transformed into homes (such as the winery) or offices (old mill). It is still possible also to observe the remains of the chapter chapel…
The old church and the various ancillary sites of the old abbey, partly listed in the inventory, can mark out a walk in the historic center of the city. Inquire on +33 3 81 80 92 55.
