Feuillants

Reformed order of Cistercians. They were named after Les-Feuillans,near Toulouse, where their order was founded in 1577 by Abbot Jean de la Barrière (1544-1600). Encouraged by Henry III, the Feuillants were established in Paris. By the time they were given status as an independent order (1589), the Feuillants had spread to Italy, where they were known as Bernardines. The order became less austere during the 17th century, but remained influential until its demise at the end of the Napoleonic wars.