The former abbey is located in the hamlet of Saint-Pierremont in Avril; its history spans from its foundation in 1090 to its final closure in 1733. A second historical perspective is offered by the parish church, “Eglise paroissiale de L'Assomption,” in Avril. It dates from the first half of the 19th century and contains twelve figurative stained-glass windows. The history of the monastery and church art are thus complemented by another focus: a walk that runs almost entirely through woodland.
Saint-Pierremont Abbey Through the Ages
Lubricus, a canon from Metz, founded the abbey in 1090. It was finally abandoned in 1733; part of the abbey buildings dating from the 18th century has survived. The dates point to different stages: the medieval foundation and a later building phase, some of whose buildings have endured. The dovecote tower of the former abbey was protected as a historic monument by decree of 20 January 1979.
The abbey's history cannot be reduced to a single date: its foundation, abandonment, and surviving buildings represent different periods. The protected dovecote tower adds a specific element of the former complex to this timeline.
Church Architecture and Stained Glass in Avril
The parish church, “Eglise paroissiale de L'Assomption,” has an elongated plan and a single nave. A semicircular apse forms a rounded end to the church interior; the tower is integrated into the façade. These features describe different parts of the building: its floor plan, the shape of its end, and the way the tower is incorporated.
The collection comprises twelve figurative stained-glass windows. The biblical scenes depicted include Pentecost, the Assumption of Mary, the Visitation, and the Annunciation. Ten of the windows were made by the Benoît workshop in Nancy in 1928, 1932, and 1956; the choir windows have been restored. The church therefore offers two perspectives: the subjects depicted and the history of their creation and restoration.
Other Historical Timelines
The former Cordeliers monastery in La Chapelle-aux-Bois was founded around 1480 by Jeanne de Pulligny and her husband Didier de Landre. It fell into decline in the 17th century, was moved to Briey around 1710, and was dissolved in 1791. Its foundation, decline, relocation, and dissolution form a different sequence from the history of Saint-Pierremont Abbey.
The PĂ©rotin hot-water spring is also part of Avril's historical surroundings. After it was discovered during drilling in the municipality, the PĂ©rotin site was established there in 1909. Visitors began coming to the spring in 1910. The Club Vosgien built a footbridge over the Conroy, making access from Moyeuvre-Petite easier. The spring stopped flowing in the early 1970s; a damaged intake pipe is suspected as a possible cause.
Woodland Walks and Activities
If you're looking for a focus on the landscape alongside the historical sites, the “Balade en forêt d'Avril” walk runs almost entirely through woodland. Its woodland character clearly distinguishes it from the architectural and artistic themes of the abbey and parish church. The route is therefore another option to consider when deciding what to focus on during your stay.
Au cheval d'Avril offers riding lessons, horse boarding, trail rides, walks, and birthday activities. Check availability directly before your visit. These activities offer a different way to spend time with horses than focusing on local history or woodland walks; which one suits your trip depends on your interests.
Discover more destinations: Bulligny, Saint-Clément, Pierrepont, Badonviller, Cirey-sur-Vezouze, Bouxières-aux-Dames, Giriviller, Saxon-Sion.
For the broader travel overview: Meurthe-Et-Moselle.
