The building dates back from the 17th century and was dedicated to the Congregation of Bernardines of Divine Providence: it was a cistercian sisters community.
In 1791, during the French Revolution, the convent was closed, and became the property of the Army. Later, the building became successively a movie theater (la Scala), a bar dancing (The Hell) and finally a theater (Le Rio), closed in 1999.
In 2005, the old convent was finally bought by Jacques Glénat, founder of the famous french publishing house (since 1969). Once renovated, in 2009, the Saint Cécile Convent became the headquarter of the company. This is a private place but which is still opened to visitors: actually, the chapel is accessible. Exhibitions, concerts, guided visits are frequently organized.