Throughout the Middle Ages the abbey contributed to the prosperity of Montivilliers, which reached its peak during the 16th century thanks to trades such as drapery and tanning.

These shops are living examples of medieval  workshops situated along the outer wall of the abbey. In the 15th century the large specialized halls such as the cloth hall exist but are gradually abandoned. Faced with the loss of revenue, the abbey built stalls along the wall of the abbey.
Merchants, who rented them, were allowed to spread their goods in exchange for the payment of the “right of stall” to the abbey.

All current buildings dating from the 17th century are undergoing rehabilitation to soon host in 2020 a village of craftsmen.