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 Nieul-sur-l’Autise Abbey in a way that is suitable for groups of children, see the Young visitors section.

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 in front of the abbey church gate, Place de l’Abbaye.

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

Yes, the bus can drop you off by parking free of charge (for a maximum of 15 minutes) in a dedicated space at the entrance to the abbey car park. The bus driver can then go and park in the visitor car park next to the bus stop.

Are there toilets close to the starting point?

Toilets are available in the abbey buildings, depending on opening hours. Public toilets are also available in the abbey car park 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Guided tour of Nieul-sur-l’Autise Abbey | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office group

Go back to the origins of a royal abbey

Founded in the 11ᵉ century and then raised to the rank of royal abbey, Nieul-sur-l’Autise Abbey has survived the centuries with rare integrity. Guided by a passionate guide, discover a monastic complex that is unique in the West: an abbey church, vaulted Romanesque cloister and almost intact conventual buildings.

An immersive visit that sheds light on the life of the canons, the great medieval hours and the influence of Eleanor of Aquitaine, in a setting conducive to contemplation and an understanding of time.

About your visit

2 h 00

1 h 15 guided tour, 45 minutes self-guided tour (museography)

Minimum 15 people

For larger groups, several guides may be available.

Monday to Sunday, February to December

Departure from 10 am. By reservation only and subject to availability.
Closed on Tuesdays in February-March and October-December outside school holidays.

Departure from the abbey reception area

1 allée du Cloître 85240 Nieul-sur-l’Autise

Mainly indoor 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 a preserved Romanesque vaulted cloister

Explore the abbey church, witness to a thousand years of history

Understanding the organisation of canons’ lives

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

Scroll through the gallery

The programme

A royal abbey

Founded no later than 1069, the abbey very soon enjoyed the protection of the Dukes of Aquitaine. In 1141, Eleanor of Aquitaine conferred on it the prestigious status ofroyal abbey. This recognition had a lasting impact on its development and influence.

A preserved monastic complex

Despite the Wars of Religion, the abbey has preserved three major elements: theabbey church, the Romanesque vaulted cloister and the conventual buildings. The chapter house, refectory and dormitories provide a clear picture of the medieval monastic organisation.

A lively, accessible tour

Your guide will explain the history, architecture and uses of the site in detail. The museography completes the tour, making it a fluid and enriching experience.

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 Nieul-sur-l’Autise Abbey in a way that is suitable for groups of children, see the Young visitors section.
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 in front of the abbey church gate, Place de l’Abbaye.
Can I get to the start of the tour by bus? Is there authorised parking for buses?
Yes, the bus can drop you off by parking free of charge (for a maximum of 15 minutes) in a dedicated space at the entrance to the abbey car park.
The bus driver can then go and park in the visitor car park next to the bus stop.
Are there toilets close to the starting point?
Toilets are available in the abbey buildings, depending on opening hours.
Public toilets are also available in the abbey car park 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.