The Abbey of Alet-les-Bains was built during the 9th century AD by the Count of Razes "Bera" because he was anxious to control his county. It was placed under the direct protection of Pope Leon III and received a fragment of the True Cross as well as other relics. Abbot “Benoît de Saint-Hilaire” was the first known abbot of the sanctuary.

 

In 1197, the Abbot of St Polycarpe, Bernard de St Ferreol, was elected Abbot of Alet by the monks, a choice contested by Bertrand de Saissac who was guardian of the underage Count of Beziers, Carcassonne and Razes. After imprisoning the new Abbot he forced a new election presided over by the dead Abbot Pons Amiel seated on the Abbot's throne. Abbot Boson was then elected Abbot of the Abbey.

 

The abbots succeeded one another until 1318 when the town of Alet-les-bains was made a  Bishopric. The abbey church became a Gothic cathedral and Abbot Barthélemy became the first bishop of the Cathedral.

 

In the 16th century, much damage was done during the Wars of Religion and only the ruins of the abbey remain.

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In 1637 Nicolas Pavillon was made Bishop of Alet. He introduced training for the clergy, education for poor girls and created a governing body ans seminary. In 1662, he built the bridge over the Aude to give access to the village. In 1667, he died and is buried in an unnamed grave in the middle of Alet's cemetery, in accordance with his wishes.

 

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