Église Notre Dame des Anges

The church of Notre Dame des Anges is one of the most beautiful in the Vendée. It is partly Romanesque, dating from the end of the 11th century, and partly Plantagenet Gothic, dating from the end of the 12th century.

This church has some remarkable features, including the 3 statues placed at the start of the ribbing on the cupolas. According to tradition, it depicts Eleanor of Aquitaine, her husband Henry II of Plantagenet and one of her sons Richard the Lionheart or John Lackland.

A bear surmounting the gable of the façade is the subject of a legend: LA MALEBETE.

The Church of Angles was founded around 1080 by a powerful local baron and entrusted to a priory of Canons Regular of the Order of Saint Augustine, created for the occasion. Unlike monks, these Canons were priests dedicated to parish service, while having adopted a community life.
When the number of canons at Angles reached a dozen, the priory was converted into an abbey in the 14th century. The ravages of the Wars of Religion put an end to convent life, destroying the abbey buildings and part of the church towards the end of the 16th century.
Listed as a Historic Monument in 1913