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Origin and history

The priory of Sermaize is an ancient grandmontain priory, founded in the 12th century according to sources, probably under the impulse of King Henry II Plantagenet. This religious monument, located in Nieul-sur-Mer in Charente-Maritime, had a turbulent history, marked by periods of prosperity and decline. Its architecture, including a 13th century gate and fire, reflects its past importance in the Aunis region.

During the Hundred Years' War, the priory was completely looted, losing much of its wealth and influence. In the 16th century, in 1568, the religious definitively abandoned it, and it was transformed into a distillery in 1689. This change in usage illustrates the social and economic upheavals that affected religious institutions after the conflict and the Reformation.

In the 20th century, the Société d'archéologie et d'histoire de l'Aunis began clearing and cleaning the site in 1990 to rediscover and preserve this heritage. The priory has been listed as historic monuments since February 18, 1925, recognizing its historical and architectural value. Today, there remains a precious testimony of the religious and medieval history of New Aquitaine.

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