The Abbey, created by monks in about 682, has known diverse fortunes over the centuries: sieges, fires, destruction and reconstruction until the French Revolution. The chapter house, 'chauffoir' and refectory are of particular interest.

 Although privately owned, guided visits are organised in holiday periods.

For further information ask at the Pays Né de la Mer Tourist Office.

The André Deluol Museum is home to part of the work of the sculptor who was resident of Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm for the last fifteen years of his life.

 Works of this outstanding artist of the 'Maillot, Rodin...' school, are to be found in many museums, in France and overseas.

Fans of this type of sculpting can admire many of his works emphasising the beauty of the female body and illustrating mythological themes.

For further information ask at the Pays né de la Mer Tourist Office.

The last island reconnected  to the mainland sheltered a priory where buildings and a 15^th century chapel still survive. The tranquillity of the old cliffs is an ideal home for little owls and barn owls.

 A panoramic table helps to make the most of the viewpoint over the marshes, l'Aiguillon Bay, the Ile de Ré and La Rochelle.

The Nature Reserve welcomes about 120 wild bird species each year to its protected wetlands. Here are essential natural conditions they need for their survival.

 A walkway on stilts will take you to a sheltered  observation post, equipped with 18 binoculars. A guide awaits you there.

 Further information on 02.51.56.14.69 or LPO Vendée.

The cathedral has a rich history and displays all French architectural trends from Norman to Neo-Gothic. Richelieu was the 25^th bishop here.

 The cloisters lie adjacent to the southern part of the cathedral. Direct access is possible via a door of classic style. The Renaissance galleries date from the beginning of the 15^th century. A floor with beautiful windows, reminiscent of the Loire chateaux,  overlook the west gallery.

Chapelle Sainte-Ursule is a jewel from the end of the 17^th century with its painted wooden ceiling.

Chapelle du Carmel (19^th century)

Chapelle de l'Hôpital (15^th century)

Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse (20^th century)

A magnificent garden of more than four hectares. "a pleasure to wander there ..."

It is listed amongst the most beautiful gardens in France. It was left to the town by Pierre Hyacinthe Dumaine in 1872.

Discover open spaces, lines of yew trees, unusual fragrances, lawns and flower beds, ornamental lakes, topiary features.

It is in this town of art and history, called "a gushing fountain of great thinkers" by Francois 1^st that Rabelais became unlocked to humanism. In the footsteps of Pantagruel's father you are invited to discover affluent individual hotels, shaded parks and elegant squares, witness to its prestigious past well preserved in this unique site.

 The 'thousand years of history' path leads to the place Belliard with its houses with arcades, Notre-Dame church and its panoramic view from the top of its tower, the rue des Loges with its wooden-sided houses, the Vendée museum and the hotel of the Sénéchaussée opposite the Quatre Tias fountain, symbol of the town.  "Old Fontenay" has been totally renovated and enhanced by specialised lighting. The street plan is similar to that of medieval times with names evoking old trades:  rue des drapiers (Drapers' Street), rue des tanneurs (Tannery Road), rue des orfèvres (Goldsmith Street).

Many festivals (Les Ricochets, street art during the summer), shows, concerts, exhibitions (including, from July to September, a guided tour of the old town combining contemporary art and history) and other regular events make for a rich cultural life throughout the year.

 Fontenay is one of the most beautiful and pleasant towns in Poitou:

• Member of "Les Plus Beaux Détours de France" club
• National award for quality of life
• Economic and administrative centre for South Vendée
•  Ville fleurie (Beautiful Town Award)
• Sports including sports for the disabled award

This listed building was built in 1580 by Nicolas Rapin, Provost of the 'Connétablie de France', and a companion of Henri IV. Famous writer Georges Simenon lived here from 1940 to 1943.

 Listed in main tourist guides, it is renowned for its alchemist chimney, its stone-sculpted ceilings, wooden panelling from the Château de Chambord, and gold-leaf suns from Louis XIV's room. Also on display are paintings, furniture, collections and superb costumes from the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

Travel to the centre of the mine!

To the South of the green Vendée 'Bocage', discover a whole village which lived from coal-mining for 130 years from 1827 to 1958.

The Centre Minier de Faymoreau

invites you to relive the moving tales of mineworkers in the area. Not to miss...