Activity Book
Visits to sites of interest
The Abbey of Maillezais
At the heart of the Marais Poitevin you can discover the preserved remains of the Benedictine abbey of Maillezais.
Built in 1003 on an island in the Gulf of Pictons, this former cathedral/fortress hosted scholars and artists François Rabelais and Agrippa d'Aubigné.
Imposing and well-preserved the remains of the Abbey include kitchen, dining room, pantry, cellar and salt depository.
Long comment
The remains of the Abbey of St Pierre, constructed by the Dukes of Aquitaine, show a unique architecture. The imposing remains can be admired from the plaza. At the origins of the Marais Poitevin, this Benedictine abbey overlooks the canals dug by the monks a thousand years ago for Guillaume le Grand, the mighty Duke of Aquitaine. Thanks to the titanic work of the monks in draining the swamp, the land became usable and now forms the Marais Poitevin.
URL : http://www.abbayes.vendee.fr
Address : ABBAYE DE MAILLEZAIS ABBAYES DU SUD VENDEE 85420 MAILLEZAIS
Phone : +33 (0)2 51 87 22 80