Abbaye Royale

11 centuries of history under the open sky. Guided tours only, to discover the gardens, the boiler room, the chapter house and the refectory.

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).