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Abbaye de Maillezais
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Sud Vendee.. Haut Bocage.. Coastal Region.. Marais Poitevin.. Marais Breton.. Bas Bocage.. Plaine.. Marais Olonne..
Situated on
an island in the Golfe de Pictons the Abbey of Maillezais is
architecturally unique in the Poitou Saintonge. The Abbaye Saint Pierre
was built in 1003 on the site of a former castle of the Dukes of
Aquitaine several of whom were buried there and it was entrusted to the
Benedictine monks in 1010. The Abbey was pillaged in the 13th century on
several occasions by the count of Mervent-Vouvant.
In 1317 Pope John XX11 declared it a Bishopric although he allowed the monks to stay.
Artists and men of Letters always found a refuge at the Abbey. Francois Rabelais in 1518 during the Wars of Religion was a notable refugee after being expelled from Fontenay-le-Comte.
It was made a Protestant stronghold by Agrippa d'Aubigne in 1589 before being sold to the Duke of Rohan in 1610. In 1648 the Bishopric was transferred to La Rochelle.
The Abbey was confiscated by the state just after the Revolution and sold for demolition.
From the Abbey's esplanade visitors can view the imposing remains of the cathedral and the seven halls of its well preserved monastic buildings which include the refectories, a cellar, a salt store, dormitories and the kitchen
There are several events throughout the year:
The Festival Des Abbeye: classical and sacred music;
Visits Insoltes: an original way to learn about the abbey by solving a mysterious riddle;
Les Compagnons Batisseurs: Spectacles presenting the story of the monks who built the Abbey. (July -August);
La Nuit des Batisseurs. Evening events held every Tuesday in July-August.
Maillezais, Lumiere du Marais. Historic spectacle light and sound show 10,12,14,16 of August.
Christmas Fair in a reconstructed Sinai village in December.
Open every day;
October to 30th April 9.30 to 12.30 & 13.30 to 18h
1st May - 30th September. 10h to 19h
Closed: Last three weeks of January, Christmas and New year's day
Tarif: Adult 5 euros, Student and Handicapped 3euros
under 18s Free.
Photo gallery of the Abbaye du Maillezais
Return to find more attractions in the Vendee
In 1317 Pope John XX11 declared it a Bishopric although he allowed the monks to stay.
Artists and men of Letters always found a refuge at the Abbey. Francois Rabelais in 1518 during the Wars of Religion was a notable refugee after being expelled from Fontenay-le-Comte.
It was made a Protestant stronghold by Agrippa d'Aubigne in 1589 before being sold to the Duke of Rohan in 1610. In 1648 the Bishopric was transferred to La Rochelle.
The Abbey was confiscated by the state just after the Revolution and sold for demolition.
From the Abbey's esplanade visitors can view the imposing remains of the cathedral and the seven halls of its well preserved monastic buildings which include the refectories, a cellar, a salt store, dormitories and the kitchen
There are several events throughout the year:
The Festival Des Abbeye: classical and sacred music;
Visits Insoltes: an original way to learn about the abbey by solving a mysterious riddle;
Les Compagnons Batisseurs: Spectacles presenting the story of the monks who built the Abbey. (July -August);
La Nuit des Batisseurs. Evening events held every Tuesday in July-August.
Maillezais, Lumiere du Marais. Historic spectacle light and sound show 10,12,14,16 of August.
Christmas Fair in a reconstructed Sinai village in December.
Open every day;
October to 30th April 9.30 to 12.30 & 13.30 to 18h
1st May - 30th September. 10h to 19h
Closed: Last three weeks of January, Christmas and New year's day
Tarif: Adult 5 euros, Student and Handicapped 3euros
under 18s Free.
Photo gallery of the Abbaye du Maillezais
Return to find more attractions in the Vendee
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© Copyright Vendee-Guide.co.uk 2009-12
© Copyright Vendee-Guide.co.uk 2009-12
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