Can this visit be combined with another activity?

Of course you can. Our sales department can create a tailor-made half or full day for you: another guided tour, a heritage site, an outdoor activity, a gourmet break, a meeting with an artisan… Just tell us what you’d like to do: we’ll put together the best experiences in the area and take care of all the organisation.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour is aimed primarily at adults or mixed groups (adults and children). Children are welcome in adult groups, but the tour is not specially designed for them. To discover Maillezais Abbey in a way that is suitable for groups of children, see the section for groups of young people .

Is there free parking close to the start of the tour?

Yes, you can park free of charge in the abbey car park reserved for visitors. The tour starts from the abbey reception building, where the Maillezais Tourist Office is also located.

Can I get to the start of the tour by bus? Is there authorised parking for buses?

Yes, the bus can drop you off and park free of charge in the abbey car park reserved for visitors.

Are there toilets close to the starting point?

Toilets are available in the abbey reception building, depending on opening hours.

Guided tour of Maillezais Abbey | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office group

A stone giant in the heart of the Marais Poitevin

Majestic and spectacular, Maillezais Abbey is one of the great witnesses to the history of the Marais Poitevin. Built around the year 1000 and altered several times, it was in turn a Romanesque abbey, a Gothic cathedral and then a fortress.

Accompanied by a guide, you can explore the impressive remains, which reveal the religious power, economic activity and cultural openness of the site. From the heights, the panorama reveals the marshland landscape shaped by the monks.

About your visit

2 h 00

1 h 15 guided tour, 45 minutes self-guided tour

Minimum 15 people

For larger groups, several guides may be available.

Monday to Sunday, April to 1 November

Departure from 10 am. By reservation only and subject to availability.
Most of the tour is outdoors.

Departure from the abbey reception area

Rue du Grand Port 85420 Maillezais

Mainly outdoor visits

Adaptable tour for people with reduced mobility

Our guides adapt the route to the needs of the group (walking difficulties, wheelchairs).

In French or English

Magic moments

Wander through the monumental ruins of the former cathedral

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the monks

Enter the preserved salt cellar, kitchen and refectory

Let yourself be carried away by the guide’s fascinating anecdotes and stories

Scroll through the gallery

The programme

An extraordinary site

From the moment you step inside, the abbey impresses with its size and the wealth of its remains. The tour retraces the major stages in its foundation and development. Each area provides an insight into the organisation and power of the site over the centuries.

From sacred site to fortress

The abbey reveals its many facets: spiritual place, cathedral and stronghold. The architectural transformations illustrate the religious and political upheavals. History takes shape through anecdotes and significant events.

A balcony overlooking the Marais Poitevin

From the top of one of the cathedral’s towers, you can admire a landscape that is unique in France. The canals dug by the monks tell the story of their ancient mastery of water. The close link between the abbey and its natural environment is clearly visible.

The price includes

Admission and visit to the site
The services of professional guides
Loan of walking sticks (on request)

The price does not include

Transport
Cancellation insurance
Personal expenses

We'll take care of everything!

Our sales department will advise you and book all the visits and activities of your choice for your group.
Contact us for more information.

Léa Blanchard

Marketing Manager

[email protected]02.51.69.44.81 06.70.72.86.16

Always on the lookout for the perfect holiday, I combine creativity and precision to tailor-make your getaway to suit you. With me, your holiday can't be improvised... it has to be dreamt, prepared and experienced.

Ludovic Géron

Marketing manager

[email protected]02.51.69.44.81 06.70.72.86.16

Proud of Vouvant, the village of my birth, I talk about it with the passion of a storyteller and the smile of a neighbour you meet at the market. With me, heritage never sleeps... it's told, it comes alive.

Ask us for a personalised quote

Prepare your visit

Calculate my route

Can this visit be combined with another activity?
Of course you can. Our sales department can create a tailor-made half or full day for you: another guided tour, a heritage site, an outdoor activity, a gourmet break, a meeting with an artisan…
Just tell us what you’d like to do: we’ll put together the best experiences in the area and take care of all the organisation.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is aimed primarily at adults or mixed groups (adults and children).
Children are welcome in adult groups, but the tour is not specially designed for them.
To discover Maillezais Abbey in a way that is suitable for groups of children, see the section for groups of young people.
Is there free parking close to the start of the tour?
Yes, you can park free of charge in the abbey car park reserved for visitors.
The tour starts from the abbey reception building, where the Maillezais Tourist Office is also located.
Can I get to the start of the tour by bus? Is there authorised parking for buses?
Yes, the bus can drop you off and park free of charge in the abbey car park reserved for visitors.
Are there toilets close to the starting point?
Toilets are available in the abbey reception building, depending on opening hours.