Foigny Abbey

It was founded on 11 July 1121 by Bernard of Clairvaux and Barthélemy of Jur, bishop of Laon.

The abbey significantly contributed to the economic growth of the Thiérache region.

Later, a large number of mills were established thanks to generous donations from the local nobility and the clergy.

In the French Revolution the abbey was suppressed and pillaged: there were only 11 monks by this time.

The site also includes a mill whose oldest part dates to the 12th century, which was still in operation until 2000 and which since 1982 has used the River Thon to produce hydroelectric power.