About the Abbey of Faverney:
Initially established as a monastery for Benedictine nuns around 747 AD, Faverney Abbey was founded by a local lord who donated the land to his sister. The community was under the patronage of the Archdiocese of Besançon and housed relics of martyrs, including Saints Berthaire and Athalein (also known as Paraire and Tiral), whose heads were reportedly discovered in the Lanterne River and enshrined there. The abbey functioned as a convent for Benedictine nuns until 1132. During this time, it gained significance through its association with local nobility and the transfer of relics to nearby sites like Bleurville in the 10th century.
In 1137, the nuns were replaced by Benedictine monks from the influential La Chaise-Dieu Abbey in Auvergne, shifting allegiance away from Besançon. The abbey became a prosperous monastic center, with abbots holding baronial rights over local lands and inhabitants. By 1260, documents confirmed the abbey’s authority over its serfs and territories, including rights to justice and taxation.
The abbey thrived for centuries but faced decline during the French Revolution. In 1789, the monks were expelled, the property was nationalized, and it was repurposed as a prison. In the 19th century, it briefly served as a skills school and produced a local liqueur called Sancta. From 1911 to 1967, parts of the site hosted a minor seminary for the Diocese of Besançon.
Since then, the abbey buildings have been private property, while the church remains an active religious site.The architecture blends Romanesque elements from its medieval origins, with few original structures surviving due to fires, wars, and renovations. The current basilica features white stone (hence “La Blanche”) and is a key example of Comtois (Franche-Comté) ecclesiastical architecture.
Today it serves as the parish church, although the former Abbey buildings are privately owned.
The Eucharistic Miracle of 1608:
The abbey is most famous for a reported Eucharistic miracle on the Vigil of Pentecost, May 25, 1608. Amid a period of religious doubt influenced by the spread of Protestantism and Calvinism in France, the monks had exposed the Blessed Sacrament for adoration. A fire broke out overnight, destroying the altar and much of the church, but the monstrance containing the hosts remained miraculously suspended in the air above the ruins, unharmed by the flames, for over a day. Witnesses, including villagers and clergy, observed the event, and it reportedly reignited faith among the monks and locals.The miracle was investigated by church authorities, including the Archbishop of Besançon, and officially recognized by Pope Pius IX in 1863.
One of the hosts is preserved in the basilica and venerated annually on Whit Monday (the day after Pentecost), with a special Mass followed by Eucharistic adoration.
Traveling to Faverney, France:
Located in Burgundy in eastern France, not far from the Swiss border, Faverney is a quaint village with a charming old center, medieval festivals in June (featuring parades and historical reenactments), and a monthly fair on the first Wednesday of the month. The abbey church is open to visitors and is a highlight for those exploring religious heritage in Franche-Comté. The abbey is 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) east of Montbard.
By Train: Take a TGV train to Montbard station, which is a major transport hub in Burgundy, then take a taxi from there…or if you are up for it, rent a bike at the local tourist office.
By car: From the A6 motorway, take the Bierre-les-Semur exit and follow signs to the abbey.
Address: Place de l’Abbaye, 70150 Faverney, France.
GPS coordinates: N 47° 38′ 22.6″, E 4° 23′ 21.57″.