Meillerie Priory

The priory of Meillerie, founded around 1130, is first mentioned in 1154. It was founded by Canons Regular of St. Augustine, who soon joined the Grand Saint-Bernard congregation in the 12th century. In the 1220s, the priory was completely rebuilt and fortified. It became the center of a vast religious and temporal seigneury, as well as the main residence of the provosts, heads of the congregation. The priory was abolished in 1752.

Although some of the medieval buildings were destroyed in the 19th century, the priory's Gothic church can still be admired, as well as the defensive tower (converted into a bell tower) and part of the dwelling, which still boasts fine Gothic doors.

In the heart of the priory, an old restored room called the "Salle du Logis du Prieuré" houses archives on this historic monument and on the history of the village of Meillerie - its fishermen - its quarries - its boats, as well as on the famous writers who described the village's particularities, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau in La Nouvelle Éloïse.

Opening times

From July 1 to September 1, Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

From October 2, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Guided tours of the Priory are available by reservation for groups of 10 to 20 people only.

Price:

Self-guided tour: Donations are welcome.
Guided tour (by reservation): €5 per person.