The Abbey of Montigny-lès-Vesoul is located in the town of the same name, in the department of Haute-Saône, a few kilometers northwest of Vesoul.
It was founded in 1286 to welcome Poor Clare town planners, also called "noble ladies" because the monastery was reserved for young girls from wealthy or noble families.
The religious community was however confronted with many vicissitudes, from the Hundred Years War to that of Ten Years (17th century) which opposed the kingdom of France and the troops of the Empire, not to mention the looting of brigands, mercenaries and even local lords.
This is why the buildings were completely rebuilt in the 18th century, in two stages, around 1730 and then in 1769. Nothing remains of the medieval buildings.
The whole was seized during the Revolution.
The residences of the canonesses were sold to private individuals who took up residence there. The abbey chapel, built in 1735, houses one of the most beautiful altarpieces in Haute-Saône, due to the Marca, a family of Italian artists specializing in stucco.
The courtyard and some elements (former well) remain clearly visible.
The ensemble is protected as historical monuments and constitutes the abbey district of the commune. Sculpted decorative elements have been preserved on the facades.
It will be a pleasure to discover the testimonies of the old abbey during a walk with the help of a leaflet available at the town hall. Inquire at +33 3 84 76 54 50.