The Abbey of Nieul sur l’Autise
Founded in 1068, the Abbey of Nieul sur l’Autise saw itself in the XIIth century granted the status of Royal Abbey by Eleanor of Aquitaine, then queen of France. Despite being damaged during the Wars of Religion, the Abbey remains one of the few monastic complexes in the Poitou region that still has its three elements of church, cloisters and monastic buildings virtually intact. The abbey’s Romanesque cloister is the only one in western France to have been preserved intact. Discovery trail on monastic life, with scenographic and musical presentations in the dormitory and the upper galleries of the cloister. Now open: the Maison d’Aliénor, the key museum presenting the Vendée’s monastic complexes, with a entertaining virtual tour of the abbey conducted by leading characters in the history of Nieul sur l’Autise.
Cultural activities:
- Abbeys Festival (classical and sacred music) ;
- The «Jeudis de la Saint-Jacques»: a journey through music and history every Thursday during the summer months. Free guided tours in period costumes for child aged 6 to 12 during July and August.
Opening times:
From October to May: daily from 9.30 to 12.30 am and from 1.30 to 6.00 pm
From June to September: daily from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Closed the last three weeks in January
Admission:
Adult: 5 €
Concessions (students, disabled persons, unemployed): 3 €
Free for children under 18
ABBAYE DE NIEUL SUR L’AUTISE
Abbayes du Sud Vendée
1 allée du cloître
85240 NIEUL SUR L’AUTISE
tél. 02 51 50 43 03 - fax 02 51 50 43 01
abbayes-sudvendee@cg85.fr
www.vendee.fr (visites virtuelles)
