Belleville-en-Beaujolais Abbey Competes for Rhône-Alpes Public Choice Award 2026

The historic building is a finalist for a regional award to fund its interior restoration, with voting open until October 31st.

Generic image of a historic Romanesque abbey facade in the Beaujolais region, with ornate stone carvings and a large rose window, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight, with a blurred background of vineyards.
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Generic image of a historic Romanesque abbey facade in the Beaujolais region, with ornate stone carvings and a large rose window, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight, with a blurred background of vineyards.

The Notre-Dame Abbey of Belleville-en-Beaujolais, in the Rhône department, has been selected to represent the department in the third edition of the Rhône-Alpes Public Choice Award from the Fondation du patrimoine, with voting open from October 19 to 31, 2026.

The edifice, which underwent a complete exterior restoration from 2014 to 2017, is now watertight and weatherproof. The next phase focuses on interior restoration, particularly of 19th-century murals severely damaged by humidity. The project includes consolidating and restoring plasterwork, cleaning floor slabs, altars, and interior window surfaces, as well as restoring three paintings and updating the heating, electricity, and sound systems.
The overall project cost is estimated at 5 million euros, with the current fundraising campaign focused on the first phase concerning the transept. Founded in the late 12th century, the Notre-Dame Abbey is a major example of Romanesque architecture in Beaujolais, reflecting architectural changes over centuries, including a Gothic choir elevation in the 15th century. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1862, it is a key element of local and Beaujolais heritage.
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"Every vote counts. By voting for the Abbey, you help support its restoration project and promote the heritage of Belleville-en-Beaujolais regionally."

The City of Belleville-en-Beaujolais and the association Friends of the Notre-Dame Abbey of Belleville-en-Beaujolais
Based on information from the official source: Mairie de Belleville-en-Beaujolais (19/10/2026)