Les Ormes - Prieuré de Saint Sulpice

The "Priory of Saint Sulpice" is located about 4km south east of Les Ormes, near the "Château de La Fontaine". The priory was depended from the Benedictine "Abbey of Noyers", founded near Nouatre (16km north) in 1030.

In 1035 land was given to the abbey here, so the the abbey could establish the priory soon after. The size of area was defined by what "could be ploughed by six oxes within a day" (~ 10 acres). This makes clear, that the monks installed a working farm here, producing food and funds for the abbey. This is still clearly visible, as many buildings of the priory still exist. Over the centuries the hamlet Saint Sulpice grew up around the (fortified!) priory.

The priory is privately owned since the French Revolution. We were lucky, to meet the owner, who not only allowed us to enter the premises but also showed us the priory and so we learned many details of the convent´s history.

Merci beaucoup!

Seen here is the priory´s church (11th./12th.c.). The younger building to the left is, where the lay brothers lived. Two baking ovens still exist in the building in the background.