Nieul-sur-l'Autise Abbey : presentation and practical information
Discover Nieul-sur-l'Autise Abbey
When technology reveals stone.
In the heart of a small ‘City of Character’, an architectural gem opens its doors to you for a visit to the border of the real and the virtual.
Founded in 1068, Saint-Vincent Abbey enjoyed the protection of the Dukes of Aquitaine and was granted the status of royal abbey in 1141 by Aliénor d'Aquitaine, then Queen of France.
In an interactive tour, discover the secrets and the history of the abbey, you will also find a rare almost intact monastic complex in the Bas-Poitou. At the heart of this jewel of Romanesque architecture, touch screens and 3D reconstructions reveal the secrets of a rich history.
The Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise comprises :
- The only Romanesque cloister that is still complete in the West of France
- A virtual tour of the abbey and its history in the heart of the Maison Aliénor
- A fun and interactive museography in the gallery of musical instruments
- Guided tour in French or English
- Guide book in English, German and Dutch
Our facilities
- Toilet at reception
- Free coach parking on site
- Shop with a wide choice of books, games, regional products and Vendéen crafts
- Room available for your seminars and professional meetings
- Site 90% accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Visitors can formulate remarks, suggestions and complaints on the registers or golden booklet which are placed at their disposal at the reception
- For a better comfort of visit, the visitors are invited to approach the agents of reception who remain at their disposal for any question or need
Refreshments
On the site :
- Picnic areas near the parking
In Nieul-sur-l'Autise :
- La Crêperie du Moulin : 02 51 50 47 13
- The Auberge of Artists : 02 51 52 46 66
Practical visit information :
Opening hours
From February to March (closed on Tuesday - except the 11th, 18th, 25th of February and the 4th of March) | 10h - 12h30 and 14h - 18h | ||
In April and May (every day) | 10h - 12h30 and 14h - 18h | ||
In June and between the 1st to 6th of July (every day) | 10h - 18h | ||
From the 7th of July to August (every day) | 10h - 19h | ||
In September (every day) | 10h - 12h30 and 14h - 18h | ||
From October to December (closed on Tuesday - except 21th and 28th of October / 23th and 30th of December) | 10h - 12h30 and 14h - 18h | ||
| Closed on December the 25th, New Year's Day and in January | |||
Admission
- Adult (+26 years old) : 7 € (without summer show) / 9 € (with summer show)
- Youngsters (12-25 years old) and others reduced-rates (under conditions) : 5 € (without summer show) / 7 € (with summer show)
- Free entrance for children under 12 years old
Payment : Cash, CB
Location
The Nieul sur l’Autise abbey is located :
- 10 minutes from Niort
- 15 minutes from Fontenay le Comte
- 50 minutes from La Roche sur Yon and La Rochelle
Coming by car :
- GPS coordinates : 46°25'21" N / OO°40'49" O
- Highway A83 "Nantes - Bordeaux" exit 8 "Fontenay le Comte centre" or exit 9 "Oulmes"
Map :