St. Nicholas’ Tower stands out on the horizon like a mediaeval sentinel. At its feet, flows a river, the Bec, and lies an abbey, Notre Dame.

In 1034, the knight Herluin made his retreat into this desert of greenery. A few companions joined him here. And the abbey became an intellectual and spiritual centre. This was before the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religion.

Before the ruin.

Then the Maurist monks arrived to re-establish the Observance and to build the conventual buildings in line with the rules of Classicism, mixing rigour and a quest for Beauty. Their quest for God.

But then the Revolution broke out. The Ministry of War requisitioned Bec Abbey to house the cavalry. What had become of the pious knight’s abbey? Stables, a vast warehouse... Happy was the year 1948 when this impiety was rectified.

Herluin can rest in peace in front of the altar in his abbey church. Monastic life has returned. Punctuated by masses, study and ceramic work, this life is one of prayer. Guests are also welcomed... Whatever you are seeking inside these walls steeped in history, within this house of God, you will be welcome.