Saint-Jean d'Orbestier Abbey

The Abbey of Saint-Jean Orbestier was founded in 1107. Nine centuries later it is still as imposing abbey church which has  survived the abandonment of history, it is hard to imagine how the Benedictine monks have shaped the land and the local economy from this abbey.

In 1251 the first fire, whose origin remains unknown, ravaged the monastery. In 1340, the beginning of the Hundred Years War, British troops set fire to the new abbey. Two centuries later, the Wars of Religion caused the third destruction in 1569 and 1570. Protestants and Catholics fought over the land resulting in fire, looting  and the confiscation of income and land.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, despite different modes of management and recovery efforts, the abbaye declined with the owners of the Abbey, the Diocese of Lucon declaring the permanent closure of the monastery in 1769. During the Revolution, the abbey was sold as national property. The church roof collapsed in 1912.

Today the church is restored.

References:

• vendee-guide.co.uk

Address

Rue de l'Abbaye 45, Les Sables-d'Olonne, France

Details

Founded: 1107
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)