Maillezais Abbey : presentation and practical information
Discover Maillezais Abbey
The largest historic site in the Marais Poitevin.
Fortress, Romanesque abbey then Gothic cathedral, Maillezais has for centuries shone a light on religious, economic and artistic endeavours. Overlooking the canals of the Marais Poitevin, its majestic remains emerge in an original reconstruction that takes you to the heart of a thousand years of history.
Maillezais Abbey comprises :
- A treasure of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture : exceptional carved elements illustrate the power of the Abbey between the 11th and 16th centuries
- A spectacular view of Maillezais and the Marais Poitevin from the abbey viewpoint
- An interactive course integrating virtual reality to relive the golden age of the monastery : discover the life of Benedictine monks through video reenactments
- Illustrious hosts including Rabelais and Théodore Agrippa d’Aubigné
- To aid your visit :
- Guided tour in French, English, German or Dutch
- Interactive tour using a tablet, available in short version or full tour
- By boat, on foot or by bike, discover the exceptional environment of the Marais Poitevin.
Our facilities
- Toilet at reception
- Free coach parking on site
- Shop with a wide choice of books, games, regional products and Vendéen crafts
- Site 90% accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Prior reservation required
Refreshments
On the site :
- Picnic areas near the car park
In Maillezais :
- The Auberge de l'Abbaye : 02.51.87.25.07
- Restaurant L’Échauguette : 02.51.00.70.43
- Les Délices de l'Abbaye : 02.51.51.48.91
Practical visit information :
Opening hours
From April to May (during the week) During weekends in April and the 21/04 | 10h - 12h30 and 14h - 18h 14h - 18h | |
In June (every day) and from 01/07 to 03/07 then from 25/08 to 31/08 | 10h - 18h | |
From the 5th of July to 24 of August (every day) | 10h - 19h | |
In September (every day) | 10h - 12h30 and 14h - 18h | |
From October to the 2nd of November (closed on Tuesday - except the 21th and the 28th of October) | 10h - 12h30 and 14h - 18h | |
Closed from the 3rd of November to the 31th of March | ||
Admission
- Adult (+26 years old) : 7 € (without summer show) / 10 € (with summer show)
- Youngsters (12-25 years old) and others reduced-rates (under conditions) : 5 € (without summer show) / 8 € (with summer show)
- Free entrance for children under 12 years old
Payment : Cash, CB
Location
Maillezais abbey is located :
- 10 minutes from Nieul-sur-l'Autise
- 10 minutes from Fontenay-le-Comte
- 20 minutes from Niort
- 1 h 00 from La Roche-sur-Yon and La Rochelle
- 1 h 30 from Tiffauges, the Puy du Fou and Nantes
Coming by car :
- GPS coordinates : 46°22'21" N / 00°44'46" O
- Highway A83 "Nantes - Bordeaux" exit 8 "Fontenay le Comte centre" or exit 9 "Oulmes"
- N148 : Fontenay le Comte / Niort : junction to 5 km
Map :