Aubazine’s abbey, who inspired Coco Chanel, will be restored

Aubazine’s abbey, jewel of medieval cisterciense heritage located in the heart of Corrèze, in the French region of Nueva Aquitaine, is about to be restored to its original splendor. The famous Chanel fashion house, recognized for its timeless elegance, recently pledged to finance much of the restoration of this historic twelfth monument.

This gesture has a deep symbolic meaning, since the history of the abbey is closely linked to that of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who is said to spend part of his childhood there.

Eternal witness of the golden age of the Middle Ages, with its austere stone walls and the light that is filtered through its old stained glass windows, the monument is now in the hands of nuns of the Greco-Católico Melquita church, the last Melquitas nuns in Europe.

Chanel y Aubazine

The nature of historical ties between Aubazine and the Parisian fashion icon remains a mystery. Many biographies claim that Chanel was sent to the orphanage of the abbey at age 12, after the death of his mother in 1895, and that it was there that he learned to sew.

To date, there are no definitive evidence of this story, but several clues suggest a deep connection between Chanel and Aubazine, as Cyril Lecointe, conservative of the abbey, to the National Catholic Register: “Without a doubt, I knew the abbey very well. When he built his second residence, the villa pause the pause in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, asked the architect to use the architect Aubazine emblematic. ”

Chanel ordered the staircase of the bedroom that led to the church of the abbey in the lobby of his village, faithfully preserving his characteristic broken angle. He also ordered a cloister inspired by the columns of the abbey. In addition, to furnish the pause, he acquired two old cabinets, which united to imitate an iconic wardrobe of the twelfth century that is still preserved in Aubazine.

In the few personal stories of his childhood found in his biographies, Chanel describes an austere environment, marked by silence and strict discipline, all elements that support the theory of the years that happened in the Cistercian monastery.

The geometric motifs of Aubazine’s stained glass, in particular the intertwined lines and crosses, reappear in Chanel’s iconic creations. In particular, some believe that the famous Chanel logo, the double C intertwined, was inspired by the reasons for the stained glass windows. It is a convincing hypothesis, but Lecointe addresses it with nuances: “I think it is a symbol that he found several times in his life, even in Aubazine. Without a doubt, he left his mark on her, and it is possible that he would unconsciously incorporate it into his logo,” he said.

Chanel’s distinctive monochromatic palette – the black and white brand of the brand – also seems to evoke the visual simplicity of monastic habits. Could it be that the iconic and timeless “black dress” of the designer was inspired by these austere influences?

The number 5, a symbol of balance and perfection in the Christian tradition, was omnipresent in Aubazine, often appearing in the geometric motifs of the monastery. This could also have left an indelible mark on Chanel, who later made him a key element of his brand, especially with his legendary perfume.

Regardless of whether he lived there or not, Aubazine’s aesthetic and spiritual footprint in Chanel’s work is undeniable. His preference for clean lines, minimalism and rejection of excess is deeply resonated with the cistercian architecture of the monastery.

Rescuing an endangered heritage

But time has left its mark on the abbey, which requires an exhaustive renewal every 150 years to guarantee its conservation. Stone walls, stained glass and wood structure have suffered the ravages of time. In some areas, the roof runs the risk of collapsing and moisture threatens the foundations.

Given the urgency of the situation, the Chanel house, which has maintained a close relationship with the abbey for decades, decided to intervene, recognizing the historical value of the site and its intimate link with the founder of the brand.

The restoration project will focus on strengthening the structures and preserving the original tanks, according to Lecointe. Chanel has financed most of the works, which will amount to several million euros. The renovations are expected to begin this southern autumn and are expected to continue over the next five years.

“The house has communicated very little about this,” said Lecointe. “It’s less advertising and more about preserving a legacy with which Gabrielle Chanel was deeply connected.”

The latest Melquitas nuns in Europe

Aubazine’s modern history begins in the nineteenth century, when a wealthy heiress acquired the abbey and decided to turn it into an orphanage. He entrusted this mission to the sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, known for their sweetness and maternal care. The orphanage remained active until the 1960s, after which the place passed to a community of Melquitas de Rito Byzantine nuns.

The last two nuns that remain, who continue to safeguard a centennial monastic heritage, are also the latest Melquitas sisters in Europe. With 78 and 92 years, they reside in a small monastery of Greek architectural style about 100 meters from the abbey, since the historical monument is no longer habitable. They receive visitors occasionally – about 8,000 a year – but their main objective remains prayer and contemplation.

Outside the visiting hours, another resident watches the place: a red -haired cat called Chachanel, a clear nod to the founder of the fashion house (a word game with the French word for “cat” chat). Guardian and pet of the abbey, the little feline travels the stones of the cloister and seems to have adopted the quiet rhythm of the monastery. “He is the owner of the place,” joked the conservative of the Abbey.

The history of Aubazine and Coco Chanel abbey is intertwined with mystery and deep echoes. This discreet but decisive restoration work will guarantee the preservation of a heritage and a culture that have contributed to the lasting influence of Europe over the centuries. And in the silence of the Cistercian stones, under the watchful eye of Chachanel, Chanel’s memory will continue to permeate the walls.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in the National Catholic Register.