Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Abbey of Notre-Dame de la Réau, located on the left bank of the Clain in the Poitou, is founded in the 12th century by Augustinian canons. His name, La Réau (or Regalis), evokes a royal origin, although the identity of the founder – Louis VII or Henri II Plantagenet – remains uncertain. A papal bubble of 1219 confirms its existence before 1189 and its possessions under Henry II, but the exact foundation remains undetermined. The abbey, prosperous with sixteen priories in the 13th century, suffered destruction during the Hundred Years War (fire in 1372) and was rebuilt with fortifications.

In the 16th century, the abbey was briefly occupied by Calvinists under Abbé Aufort, then returned to Catholicism. In 1531, she was looted by Antoine de Guillerville, a former gang leader sentenced to death for this bag. In the 17th century, restoration works were undertaken under the prior François Henin, with architectural modifications (stone staircase, redevelopment of wings). The French Revolution marked its decline: sold as a national good, it then moved to the family of Fremond de La Merveillère.

Ranked a historical monument in 1941 (abbatial, capitular hall, towers) and in 1994 (other buildings), the abbey preserves medieval remains (Romanesque capitular hall of the 12th century, 15th century scallops) and 17th and 18th century elements. Its octagonal bell tower, collapsed in the 20th century, bore witness to its past prestige. François Eygun, in his studies (1937, 1970), described it as "the most prestigious monument of the Haut-Poitou", highlighting its spiritual and architectural influence until the Revolution.

Future

Open to the public for the first time. Come discover and share with family.

Slip into a monk's skin and watch the silence. Search where the gourmet monk hides, practice illumination and calligraphy, cut the stone, taste bread in the kitchens, pick magical plants, bine in the garden, under the benevolent helm of "brother Patrice", sing with deployed throat.

Costume yourself, pick up on the spot, comfort yourself in the coffee shop.

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