Built at the foot of the Maladière hill, this mid-12th century abbey was home to the nuns of the Order of Citeaux. Today, the remains of the abbey are privately owned.
Nothing remains of the very first buildings, which were certainly very modest. The remains that can be seen today date back to the end of the 14th century. The Countesses of Savoy, Bonne de Bourbon and Bonne de Berry, regularly visited the nuns at Le Lieu, as they included former grandees of the court. As the abbey welcomed mainly young noblewomen, it enjoyed a certain social life.
In 1417, the choir, bell tower and roof were restored by Amédée VIII. But the abbey was pillaged in 1536 by the Bernese, who set fire to it a few years later. The church and part of the convent were preserved from the flames.
Later, the estate became the property of the de La Mare family, and was sold to Fernand Bouvier, Baron d'Yvoire, at the end of the 16th century.
The church is still imposing, although the construction of the railway line led to the demolition of its chevet.
In 1417, the choir, bell tower and roof were restored by Amédée VIII. But the abbey was pillaged in 1536 by the Bernese, who set fire to it a few years later. The church and part of the convent were preserved from the flames.
Later, the estate became the property of the de La Mare family, and was sold to Fernand Bouvier, Baron d'Yvoire, at the end of the 16th century.
The church is still imposing, although the construction of the railway line led to the demolition of its chevet.
