[1][2] The abbey was founded on the island in the 5th century and was the first monastic establishment in the Lyon region and one of the oldest in Gaul.

The abbey adopted the Rule of St. Benedict in the 9th century and gradually gained some wealth.

In 816, Louis the Pious granted the monastery the right at any time of three ships on the Saone, the Rhone and the Doubs péages free of taxes; a decree of immunity and protection to monastère which was confirmed by Charles the Bald in 614.

[4][5] In the early 16th century, the abbey came under the commendatory of the family of Albon.

In 1549, pope Paul III[6] it is secularized and the monks became canons (collegiate).