Abbaye de Notre Dame de Chelles (or Chelles Abbey) was founded in 658 CE to the widow of Clovis II (the 7th king of the Franks in the Merovingian dynasty). The monastery was opened originally for women interested in the cloistered lifestyle, but the advocacy of scholarship and the famed scriptorium drew men to wanting to join the organization. Eventually, the convent became a double monastery that housed and served both men and women. Many aristocratic women chose to reside and practice monastic life at Chelles, including the sister of Charlemagne, Gisela, who was the abbess (head of the abbey) from 800 to 810 CE.
During the 9th century, the nuns became known for their scribal work and many manuscripts can be traced back to the women who lived within the walls of Chelles Abbey.