There is a charming legend surrounding this abbey founded by the Cistercians in 1129 between the Oise River and the forest. St Elegius is said to have asked a bear that had devoured an ox to be harnessed in its place to the cart transporting the stone intended for construction of the abbey. The site thereby acquired the name of Ourscamp, or Bear Field. The entrance to the abbey lies beyond a fine ceremonial iron gate (1784). Monks are still resident in the 18C abbey living quarters. The 13C chapel (delicate pillars supporting the ribs of the ogives, Oculus windows) is full of monastic elegance.