Abbaye Royale
Registered and listed sites
Description
The abbey was founded in 682 AD on a limestone islet. Following the Concordat of 1516, it became a royal abbey. A journey through time and the birth of the Marais Poitevin.
11 CENTURIES OF HISTORY UNDER THE OPEN SKY!
In 682, at the request of the Bishop of Poitiers, Ansoald, monks from Noirmoutier built the abbey of Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm on one of the limestone islets in the Gulf of Pictons.
It suffered Viking invasions and was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries. As a Benedictine abbey, it had a rich and eventful history, with alternating periods of misfortune and prosperity, due in particular to the draining work undertaken by the monks on the surrounding marshes and the generosity of Savary de Mauléon, a leading Poitou figure, who turned it into a fortress.
It became a Royal Abbey after the Concordat signed in 1516, and was headed by a number of high dignitaries, including Cardinal Mazarin. But troubled times plunged the abbey into decline, despite the presence of monks from the congregation of St Maur.
No monks lived there after the French Revolution. In 1818, the abbey became private property and has now been in the family for two centuries.
But through the gardens, the chauffoir, the chapter house and the refectory, you can approach history and take a journey back in time to the birth of the Marais Poitevin.
Guided tours only at set times, to discover the eventful history of the abbey.
During the summer months, tours are available Monday to Friday at 10am, 11am, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm. Closed at weekends and public holidays. Tickets on sale at the South Vendée Tourist Offices (including Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm Tourist Office).
- Groups accepted ( minimum : 10 - maximum : 20 )
- Types : historic site and monument
Activities
- Specific themed events
- Workshop for children
Languages
- English
- French
Booking
Location
Visit
- Information board languages : German, English
Visits languages
- French
- English
Individual
- Length of visit : 1h (on average)
Groups
- Length of visit : 1h00 (on average)
Comfort / services
- Shop
Prices / opening times
Free
- Full adult price : 6,00 €
- Discounted rate : 4,00 € - Étudiants, scolaires. Gratuit - 7 ans Journées du patrimoine
- Group price : 4,00 € - Minimum 10 personnes
- Price for subscribers : 7,00 € - Forfait visite de l'Abbaye et du musée André Deluol
Means of payment
- Credit card
- Cheques and postal orders
- Holiday vouchers
Opening
Open all year round