A former Benedictine abbey, Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes in the Charente-Maritime, dates back to the 11th century when it was consecrated as the first abbey for women in the Saintonge.

It is famous now for its beautifully carved Romanesque doorway and bell tower with its unusual shape that is square, octagonal and finally lantern-shaped with the pointed roof the shape representing a Poitou pinecone.

In its heyday, the abbaye was where the young girls of noble upbringing were educated, including the celebrated mistress of Louis XIV, Madame de Montespan. The abbey suffered damage during the 100 Years War and religious wars and wrecked by fire in the 18th century.

It was rebuilt and extended under the guidance of the nun Françoise de Foix, only for the nuns to be turned out during the Revolution when it became a prison. Under Napoleon it was a military barracks. The abbey fell into ruin but was made a historic monument and restored during the 1970s and 80s. It was inaugurated by President Francois Mitterrand in 1988.

A renowned example of Romanesque architecture, the abbey has become an important music and arts centre. It is the home of the Jeune orchestre atlantique who give regular classical music recitals and concerts.

Address and Contact Information
Abbaye aux Dames
11, place de l’Abbaye
BP 30125
F-17104 Saintes Cedex

Tel: +33 5 46 97 48 48

Photo by juseliushausammann.com