Abbaye de la Grainetiere

Just south of Les Herbiers in the quiet of the countryside on the edge of the forest park of Soubise, the Benedictine monks of Saintonge founded this abbey in 1130. It quickly became prosperous, and was strengthened during the Hundred Years War to resist the English in 1372.
In the mid-sixteenth century, during the Wars of Religion the abbey was pillaged and sacked three times. After the Revolution the abbey was sold as a national assist, the abbey became a quarry and the chapter house and cloisters a farm. 
Classified as a historical monument in 1946, it remains partially restored and since 1979, a small monastic community has returned.
There are still a few remaining structures which include the west gallery of the Romanesque cloister, with its small semicircular arches and double columns with a wooden balcony that was added in the 17th century.  The east wing is intact with the chapter house in the centre which has been converted into a chapel.  Along with the  3 apses of the transept of the abbey church and two defensive towers to the south, including one, called Tour of the Abbot which was restored in 2001.
The grounds and the chapel are open to the public.
Open everyday 9h to 19h

Tariff:  2€   under 18's  Free

Photo gallery of the Abbaye de la Grainetiere



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