The Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Fontfroide followed the rule of Saint Benedict but developed a new practice, more oriented towards prayer. To devote themselves to it, they entrusted agricultural work to laypeople who observed religious rites nonetheless. They are called lay brothers. On one side of the cour d'honneur is a gate overlooking the lay brothers' refectory and their dormitory upstairs. This part of the abbey is located in the west, the side of earthly affairs according to Christian symbolism.