Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Abbey of Our Lady of Sablonceaux was founded in 1136 by William X, Duke of Aquitaine, to atone for his support of the Antipap Anaclet II. Influenced by Bernard de Clairvaux and his emissary Geoffroy de Lauroux, he offered extensive land for his livelihood. The abbey, placed under the rule of Saint-Augustin, prospered quickly thanks to the protection of ducal and episcopal, becoming a powerful landowner, managing forests, farms and salt marshes.

In the 14th century, French-English rivalries and the Wars of Religion disrupted the region. The abbey was looted and burned several times, especially in 1568 by Protestant troops. After these troubles, she experienced a moral decadence under the regime of commende, until the archbishop of Bordeaux, Henri d'Escoubleau de Sourdis, sent all the monks back in 1633 to restore discipline.

Sold as a national property during the Revolution, the abbey was partially demolished and transformed into a stone quarry. In the 19th century, it served as a health centre, orphanage, and later dairy. Its restoration began in 1962 under the impetus of André Malraux. Repurchased by the Diocese of La Rochelle in 1987, it now houses the community of Chemin Neuf, combining spiritual life, tourist welcome and cultural activities.

The abbey church, originally Romanesque with three domes, was remodeled after the destruction of the wars. The Gothic choir, the unfinished bell tower and the Baroque altarpiece of the eighteenth century testify to its architectural evolution. The partially restored Abbatial House, the capitular hall and the grain attic complete this historic monument.

The abbey is also marked by unusual elements, such as the American walnut planted around 1880, classified as a remarkable tree, or the Burgundy gate of 1788, whose shields were modified during the Revolution. Today, it combines daily prayer, guided tours and artisanal workshops, perpetuating its cultural and spiritual role.

External links