The Abbey of Alet-les-Bains was built in the 9th century by the Count of Razes “Bera” because he was anxious to control his county. Abbe Benoît de Saint-Hilaire was the first known abbot of this sanctuary.

The abbots succeeded each other at the head of the abbey until 1318, when Pope Jean XXII established the abbey in the Eveche. The abbey then became St. Mary’s Cathedral and Abbot Bartholomew became the first bishop of the Cathedral.

In the sixteenth century, the Wars of Religions will be right in the abbey of which there will remain only ruins.

During the 19th century Prosper Mérimée attempted to classify the Abbey of Alet-les-Bains as a Historic Monument in vain. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the first safeguard measures were taken.