Blesle, most beautiful villages in France

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why is it absolutely necessary to discover Blesle?

The village-a bit of history

The history of the village begins in the XNUMXth century with the foundation of a Benedictine abbey.

From the beginning of the Middle Ages, the establishment of the Lords of Mercœur places the village under dual authority: religious and secular, causing numerous disputes to appropriate the rights of justice.

It was around the year 880 that Ermengarde, Countess of Auvergne, mother of Guillaume le Pieux, founder of Cluny, created a Benedictine abbey in Blesle, which was placed under the patronage of Saint Peter and protected by the Pope. Few traces remain of this period.

Around the XNUMXth century, the nuns abandoned community life to live alone or with their families, each in their homes. They are built around the cloister which eventually disappears. The endowments of the abbey are, from the beginning, very important and are located in Haute-Loire, Cantal, Aveyron, Puy de Dôme and Lozère.

Forty-two abbesses followed one another until the Revolution.

The old center preserves a varied architecture where the rich residences of the notables rub shoulders with many half-timbered houses, faithful witnesses of a formerly important commercial activity.

rise of Blesle

With the XNUMXth century begins the development of Blesle.

In the XNUMXth century, the increase in the population was such that the abbess decided to build a second church, called Saint-Martin and reserved for the people. A whole working population ensured the life of the city. First-rate craftsmanship was grafted onto the important rural fabric, favoring the development of liberal activities.
In 1558, a decree of the king's council aggregates Blesle to the thirteen good towns of Auvergne, which allows its representatives to sit in the assembly of the provincial states.
The prosperity of the village continued in the 1638th century, as evidenced by the beautiful houses with gates surmounted by a pediment, as well as the chapel of La Chaigne built in XNUMX on a place of pilgrimage.
At that time Blesle had 2000 inhabitants.

Blesle also knew secular lords. The end of the XNUMXth century marked the establishment of the powerful barons of Mercœur, with whom the nuns thought they would find protection. They build a fortress in the city. The dungeon is the main element, and take advantage of their strong position to encroach on the rights and property of the abbey. Abbesses have to deal with lay lords and a long series of agreements and treaties ensue.
The last lord of Mercœur died without a direct heir. There followed a long succession crisis which ended in 1716 with the sale of the seigneury and the château to Henri-Louis de Chavagnac, lord of the fief of the same name, located in the commune of Auriac l'Eglise in the Cantal.

From the end of the XNUMXth century the population decreased. During the Revolution, Blesle lost its abbey. And from the XNUMXth century, the decline in population, always constant, worsened with the arrival of the railway.

Many guided tours throughout the year are offered by the guides-lecturers of the Pays Art and History of Haut-Allier

Visit alone, with family and friends

By downloading the virtual tour for free on Google Play or App Store.

11 essential points and 39 pellets on heritage and historical assets .

1 adult course and 1 child course with a little game at each point of interest

Each route is provided with a geolocation plan. As soon as the visitor approaches the point of interest, he receives an alert. He can then access a 360° view of the place.

3D historical reconstructions bring heritage back to life, allowing visitors to travel back in time

Blesle's know-how

The Damsel

One of the very first breweries in Haute-Loire, it was created in 2009. It is a craft, local beer based on values that respect the environment and people who are part of a responsible approach.

Charly and Thibault offer a wide range of beers which is enriched with new products each year. Brewery beers The Damsel are very popular

The little savages

“Secret Escapes” went to meet the know-how of Haute-Loire with a spotlight on Blesle : with Claire Cattoir, which manufactures its own natural and organic cosmetics under the brand The Little Savages.