Built by St Étienne and his companions in the 12C and affiliated to the Cistercian order in 1147, the abbey comprises several monastic buildings which house a chapter room, scriptorium, kitchen and dormitory. A fishpond, fountain and the garden of the 12C cloisters may also be visited.

The Romanesque abbey church is striking for its typically Cistercian simplicity and is crowned by a Limousin-style octagonal bell tower. It also houses the tomb of its founder, St Étienne, an extremely rare 12C cabinet, 17C sculpted wood choir stalls, and stained-glass windows with grisaille decoration.