15

The foundation of carmels in the cities of Lyon and Rouen in the beginning of the xviith century brings a need for sacred. The new monasteries must possess relics in order to sanctify the sanctuary, but also attract the believers and encourage all kinds of donations. With this aim in mind, the Carmelites muster various networks, following spatial and social logics which grow stronger until the end of the century. Though they are confined in their cloister, they manage to obtain various relics, through the different centres of distribution and thanks to the efficient mediation of donators, lays and ecclesiastics. The Carmelites thus accumulate substantial treasures, acting as true reliquaries at the heart of the urban society of their time.