At the heart of the Livradois Forez Regional Natural Park, La Chaise-Dieu offers a unique setting of preserved forests, deep valleys and very pure rivers, rich in a prestigious architectural, cultural and musical heritage and culminating at an average altitude of 1000 m.
When in 1043, Robert of Turlande left the canons of Brioude to found a Benedictine monastery, it was on this granite plateau that he settled between Auvergne and Velay. The Casa Dei (house of God) was born...
Soon joined by hundreds of disciples, Robert founded in 1052 an abbey which was to spread many dependencies, shining on Europe.
Three centuries later, a former monk of La Chaise-Dieu becomes Pope under the name of Clement VI. Very attached to his original abbey, he wanted to be buried there, in an abbey church worthy of his time.
The construction of the current Gothic church began in 1344, under the orders of the project manager of the Palais des Papes d'Avignon. The facade, its towers and the Clementine Tower were completed in 1376 in a style combining religious art and defensive architecture.
From this glorious past, we have a remarkable heritage, enhanced over time and the setting for the prestigious Music Festival of La Chaise-Dieu, founded 1966 by the Hungarian pianist Georges Cziffra.
Do not miss to admire the Danse Macabre, astonishing 15th century fresco and the wonderfully sculpted stalls which surround the tomb of Clement VI in the choir of the abbey church.
