College Richelieu – Grand séminaire
Description
It was under the episcopate of Bishop Baillès in 1850 that the decision was taken to build a Catholic college for the whole of the Vendée. In 1850, it was located outside the town, which was beginning its industrial and territorial expansion thanks to the renovation of its port. The project was entrusted to the diocesan architect Émile Boeswilwald.
The school opened its doors in 1856, was enlarged to the north in 1869 and the chapel marking the "Cour Richelieu" was completed in 1882.
Following the separation of Church and State in 1905, the college was transferred to La Roche-sur-Yon and the premises became home to the diocesan major seminary.
During the First World War, the school was used as a military hospital, and the seminary ceased its activities in 1972.
Privately owned, it is not currently open to the public.
- Types : historic site and monument