Master of the Templars (1193/1194-1200).
Girbert’s early career is unknown. In 1183 he served as grand preceptor in the Templars’ central convent, and from 1185 to 1189 functioned as provincial master in parts of Provence and Spain, and accepted numerous donations on behalf of the order. After the death of Master Gerard of Ridefort (1189), Girbert briefly traveled to Outremer (1190), served as grand preceptor, and took part in the siege of Acre (mod. ‘Akko, Israel) during the Third Crusade.
In 1191 Girbert was appointed master of all Templars in the West and returned to France, but after the death of Master Robert of Sablé (1193), he was elected master of the order in absentia. He postponed his departure for Outremer until he had visited Spain for one last time (1195-1196). At his request, the papal Curia repeatedly confirmed the Templars’ most important papal privilege, Omne datum optimum, between 1194 and 1200. In the central convent the powerful office of seneschal disappeared during Girbert’s mastership. Girbert died in 1200 and was succeeded by Philip of Plessis.