The History of Baume-Les-Messieurs

Here is a short history of Baume-les-Messieurs (in the Jura department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France) — its geography, origins, monastic importance, decline and modern revival.

Geographic & Natural Setting

The village of Baume-les-Messieurs is located in the Jura department, in eastern France, in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. (Wikipedia) It is situated within a striking geological formation known as a reculée (a steep-walled valley culminating in a blind end) — specifically the Reculée de Baume. (Lons-le-Saunier Tourisme)

This natural amphitheatre of cliffs and limestone walls makes the site exceptional: the village lies at the bottom of this cirque, the source of the river Seille de Baume runs through, and the Dard emerges from caves at the head of the valley. (Wikipedia)

The geological setting shaped not only its scenic character but historically its access, isolation and suitability for monastic settlement.

Prehistoric and Early Occupation

Archaeological evidence shows that the site of Baume-les-Messieurs was occupied as far back as prehistoric times: there are traces of rock-shelters (abris sous roche) from the Neolithic, Gallo-Roman era remains, and protohistoric artefacts. (routes-touristiques.com)

Thus, the site was favourable early on — perhaps because of its sheltered nature, water sources, and defensible cliffs.

However, for much of its early existence it remained a remote settlement rather than a documented political centre.

Founding of the Monastery and Early Middle Ages

The monastic history of Baume-les-Messieurs is central to its identity. According to tradition, a Benedictine monastery (or an earlier monastic cell) was founded at the site in the late 6th century, perhaps by Saint Columbanus, though this is more legendary than firmly documented. (Wikipedia)

The first documentary mention of a “cella” at Baume dates from 869 (under King Lothaire II) and other records around 890. (bourgogneromane.com)

In about 888-890, the monastery is re-formed and entrusted to the abbot Bernon (abbé de Gigny initially), who becomes abbot of Baume. During his abbacy, around 910, he departs with six monks of Baume (and six of Gigny) at the request of William I of Aquitaine to found Abbaye de Cluny, which becomes one of the major monastic centres of medieval Europe. (Wikipedia)

Thus Baume plays a pivotal role in the early Cluniac reform movement of the 10th and 11th centuries. The monastery at Baume flourished in the 11th and early 12th centuries, attracting donations, benefactors and constructing significant buildings. (Wikipedia)

High Middle Ages – Flourishing and “Imperial” Status

In the 11th century, the abbey of Baume undergoes substantial building works: the current Romanesque church (or large parts of it) is constructed around 1080-1139. (patrimoine.bourgognefranchecomte.fr)

In 1147, the abbey is officially brought under the authority of Cluny (the mother-house) by Papal decree, which marks the beginning of a gradual decline in its independence. (Lons-le-Saunier Tourisme)

In 1157 the title “abbaye impériale” (imperial abbey) is attributed, reflecting its important position and imperial patronage (e.g., by Frederick Barbarossa) which enhanced its prestige. (Le blog de Jean-Pierre Kosinski.)

The abbey acquired rich architectural fabric: the church with nine travées in the nave, cloisters, abbatial residences, donjon, etc. (bourgogneromane.com)

At this period Baume-les-Messieurs is at the height of its spiritual, cultural and economic influence in the region.

Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Period – Challenges & Decline

From the 14th century onward, the abbey begins to face difficulties: fires (for example in 1336 it was burned) and pillaging, including during the Hundred Years’ War period. (bourgogneromane.com)

In the 15th century, restoration is undertaken under Abbot Aimé de Chalon (1390-1437) in the Gothic style. (patrimoine.bourgognefranchecomte.fr)

But later, from the 16th century, the regime of commendatory abbots (abbreviated: abbés commendataires) begins: noblemen are appointed abbots in name but seldom reside; monastic discipline declines. (Le blog de Jean-Pierre Kosinski.)

Fires in 1520 and 1560 add to the architectural and institutional stress. (bourgogneromane.com)

At the same time, the name of the village begins to change: originally called Baume-les-Moines (in reference to the monks), by the 18th century, when the abbey has secularised offices for noble “messieurs”, the name Baume-les-Messieurs becomes used. (Magazine Belles Demeures)

The 18th & 19th Centuries – Secularisation, Revolution and Preservation

In 1759 the abbey is secularised: the monks become canons, and the building’s monastic function is effectively ended. (Lons-le-Saunier Tourisme)

With the outbreak of the French Revolution the abbey’s chapter is suppressed (1790) and the monastic buildings are sold off as national property. (bourgogneromane.com)

In the 19th century, increasing interest in heritage leads to the classification of the abbey church as a Monument Historique (1849) and further protections in 1862. (patrimoine.bourgognefranchecomte.fr)

The buildings evolve: the cloister is demolished in the early 19th century (1806/1865) and many monastic buildings become private dwellings. (bourgogneromane.com)

During this period the village’s beautiful and unique setting becomes appreciated for its scenery and heritage value, although tourism in the modern sense is not yet dominant.

20th & 21st Centuries – Revival as Tourist and Heritage Site

In more recent decades, Baume-les-Messieurs has become well-known as a tourist destination, thanks both to its natural environment (the reculée, caves, cascade) and its rich monastic heritage. (Jura Tourisme)

The village is recognized as one of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. (Wikipedia)

The abbey retains its religious function (the church is still in use) and hosts cultural events (for example a baroque music festival) and guided visits. Preservation efforts continue (see Fondation du Patrimoine-supported projects). (fondation-patrimoine.org)

Conservation of the natural setting (Natura 2000 protection of the high Seille valleys) complements heritage protection. (Lons-le-Saunier Tourisme)

Tourism today is both an opportunity and a challenge — managing visitor flows in a small village in a sensitive landscape. (combatlemedia.com)