Gaussan Priory

Gaussan Priory (or Prieuré Notre-Dame de Gaussan) is a Benedictine monastery situated at Bizanet in the Aude, France.

The site was originally established in the 12th century by the Cistercians as a grange of the nearby Fontfroide Abbey. Fontfroide was dissolved and its buildings and assets, including the grange at Gaussan, were sold off in 1791 during the French Revolution.

During the later 19th and 20th centuries the buildings were refurbished by the proprietor, Charles Lambert de Sainte Croix, who also developed the land for viticulture

The property was later acquired by the Benedictines and in 1994 a monastery was founded here as a priory of Fontgombault Abbey.

It is part of the Solesmes Congregation of the Benedictine Confederation and as such focusses on Gregorian chant and the Tridentine Mass.

The monks also produce wine.

ources

* [http://www.bizanet.net/Visite/Village/Gaussan/gaussan.html Bizanet Village website: page on Gaussan Priory]