Cîteaux is a historic site in France, known primarily for the Cistercian monastery founded there in 1098. This monastery was established by a group of monks seeking a simpler, more austere way of life, adhering to the Rule of Saint Benedict. The Cistercians emphasized manual labor, self-sufficiency, and a deep connection to nature. The influence of Cîteaux extended beyond its walls, leading to the establishment of numerous Cistercian monasteries across Europe. The monks at Cîteaux played a significant role in the development of agriculture and architecture during the Middle Ages, promoting innovations that would shape monastic life and rural communities for centuries.