Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ambronay

After a long period during which no records of the site are known, probably due to invasions, a bull issued by Pope Leo IX in 1050 recognised the abbey’s possessions and confirmed its right of exemption, placing it directly under the authority of the Holy See. The enjoyment of this privilege likely contributed to its economic development; at that time, the abbey held extensive landed property and a long series of dependent priories. In 1115, Abbot Didier granted the territory of Portes to two monks of the community who wished to withdraw in accordance with the customs promoted by Saint Bruno from the Grande Chartreuse (Isère); this site would later become the Charterhouse of Portes (Ain).

The monastic buildings were put to various uses until the site was gradually protected and restored. The church became a parish church in 1802; most of its fabric dates from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries, although earlier remains and later interventions are also present. It preserves stained glass from various periods, the tomb of Abbot Jacques de Mauvoisin (1425–1439), and the wooden choir stalls, among other elements. The two-storey cloister is also noteworthy, with the lower gallery dating from around 1500 and the upper one from the mid-seventeenth century. Other buildings are still preserved, including the chapter house, the abbatial residence, and the Archive Tower.