Abbey of Trizay

Entirely restored in 1990, the abbey is one of the most mysterious Romanesque monuments of Saintonge. The abbey hosts a contemporary art centre that offers a year-round dialogue between the Romanesque monument and modern artists. This priory constructed in the turning 11th and 12th centuries, depended upon the powerful Abbey of the Chaise - Dieu in Auvergne. Entirely restored in 1990, the abbey is one of the most mysterious Romanesque monuments of Saintonge. The church, whose beautiful Romanesque bedside has been illuminated since 2003 by the stained-glass windows of Richard Texier, was designed on an exceptional octagonal layout. Discover also the chapter house with its polylobed arches and wareheads beautiful crosses of the 13th century, the cloister, the cellar, the great refectory with its wall paintings and, upstairs, the monks' dormitories decorated by frescoes. The medieval-inspired garden presents plants cultivated between the 9th and 14th centuries for health and food. The abbey hosts a contemporary art centre that offers a year-round dialogue between the Romanesque monument and modern artists with exhibitions every two months. Discovery tour of the abbey with a visitor booklet, 3D video of the hypothesis of restitution of the plan of the abbey in the 12th century and models. For children (between 3 to 12 years old), treasure hunts and unusual discovery routes. The boutique Art and Terroir & Library, the tourism desk and the reception are open all year round. Possibility to rent spaces for family or professional events.