Nestled in a green setting, the abbey of Sablonceaux is one of the jewels of Royan Atlantique’s heritage. This thousand-year-old abbey offers a unique journey through the centuries and architecture. A new cultural program allows you to (re)discover this exceptional place from another angle, combining history and modernity.
A thousand-year-old abbey
It was in 1136 that William Established in the “Baconais forest”, this high place of prayer for the regular canons of Saint Augustine then possessed a vast domain made up of various goods, lands, woods, moors, marshes, saline waters and animals.
Canons regular are priests living in community under the rule of Saint Augustine. They preach, teach theology and education to young people. Their main mission is in particular to accompany the faithful in their spiritual life, from the cradle to the grave, in the parishes dependent on the abbey.
A turbulent history
The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) and the Wars of Religion (1562-1598) seriously damaged the abbey. In the XNUMXth centurye century, the buildings are indeed dilapidated. In addition, the community was reformed under the authority of Chancelade Abbey, located in Dordogne. Sablonceaux Abbey is thus placed under the commendation regime. The abbot is no longer a religious man but a high dignitary of the Church appointed by the king.
During the Revolution, the 11 remaining canons were driven out and the abbey became national property. Charles Le Moine, commissioner of the navy in Rochefort, was the first to buy the abbey. Unfortunately, the Le Moine family is unable to maintain the place. Some buildings are then demolished. They ultimately become quarries which are used to build surrounding houses. In 1907, the church was classified as a Historic Monument.
Classified as a Historic Monument, Sablonceaux Abbey reveals all the history of past centuries.
Then, in 1912, Doctor Martz bought the abbey. He transformed the place into a health spa and had some work carried out. During the Second World War, many single children were taken in by the sister of the new owner of the abbey, Mademoiselle Cornardeau. After the war, daily life resumed and the abbey became a dairy (“Le Vieux Porche” Camembert) then an agricultural business.
From 1963 to 1983, André Malraux initiated the restoration of the abbey church. In 1987, the diocese of La Rochelle and Saintes, which owned the site, established the Chemin Neuf community on the site. It thus restores to the abbey its vocation as a place of life and spirituality.
Visits to Sablonceaux Abbey
Sablonceaux Abbey has gone through the centuries, undergoing various modifications and restorations. We therefore find several styles on all the buildings. Ultimately, it is a living testimony to medieval religious architecture and monastic life of the time. Today, you can visit part of it freely. This concerns the 12th century abbey church, the cloister, the chapter house and finally the exteriors.
Opening times for Sablonceaux Abbey:
- in winter: 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.
- summer: 9 a.m. to 21 p.m.
To immerse yourself further in the history and know the secrets of the abbey, a tour guide leads guided tours. These visits include the discovery of private buildings and places such as the 150th century granary, the abbot's home dating from the XNUMXth century or the XNUMX-year-old American walnut tree. They offer a complete vision of the rich heritage of the abbey.
Whether for a self-guided stroll or an in-depth guided tour, the abbey reveals its treasures and secrets to those who take the time to explore it.
The abbey's cultural program from Sablonceaux
In 2024, Sablonceaux Abbey opens its doors offering conferences, activities and events. From the start of the school year, a rich and varied program comes to highlight this place steeped in history. We take advantage of the abbey's cultural events to live memorable experiences combining meetings and sharing.
Among the highlights, we find the event “Sablonceaux Abbey in the spotlight” on the occasion of the European Heritage Days, September 21 and 22. For 20 minutes, the history of the abbey is told in images and music thanks to a projection on the facades of the church and the chapter house.
Then, on October 5 and 6, we go back in time for a great medieval festival within the abbey grounds. We rediscover ancient know-how and the products of local artisans in a medieval atmosphere. On the program: a craft market, workshops, demonstrations and activities around the Middle Ages for adults and children; concerts, strolls and a medieval banquet on Saturday evening.
Discover the 2024 back-to-school program
