CULTURAL AND NATURAL SITES OF THE VENDEE

Founded in 1068, Nieul Abbey became a royal abbey in 1141 thanks to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France. It is the only Romanesque cloister in the west to have been preserved in its entirety. Summer show (Wednesday to Sunday) "Listening to the Romanesque abbey": the capitals of the abbey miraculously come to life. Listen to them tell you about their mysteries, the history and the great people who made the royal abbey great. A night show "In the footsteps of Eleanor", on Thursdays from 23 July to 20 August, recounts the glory days of the abbey in the 12th century. Another activity, in "Family Sundays", set off "in search of the world of stone" (second and fourth Sunday of the month, from March to December). You can also take part in adult courses and storytelling workshops. Finally, don't miss the Voûtes célestes festival in May and June.

Built from 1003 on an island in the Gulf of Pictons, this Benedictine abbey has welcomed scholars and artists: Agrippa d'Aubigné or François Rabelais, who lived here from 1524 to 1529. The esplanade has preserved some impressive and well-preserved remains: cathedral, kitchen, refectory, cellar and salt cellar. Live the Maillezais 3D experience: thanks to virtual reality, you will see the past splendour of Maillezais. Another activity, in "Family Sundays" you will go in search of the relics of Saint Rigomer (first and third Sunday of the month, from March to December). In July and August, from Sunday to Thursday, don't miss the historical shows on the history of the abbey: "The marsh sailor" (at 2.15 pm and 6.15 pm). From the future, the Sailor of the Marsh, an adventurer who admires the colossal work of the monks, tells the story of this natural environment rich in an incomparable biodiversity. At 11.45am and 4.15pm, attend "Rabelais, the Extraordinary", an original show which evokes the multiple facets of this character during the Renaissance at Maillezais Abbey.

This castle, which was the property of Gilles de Rais, Marshal of France and comrade-in-arms of Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years War, is a typical example of medieval military architecture. Clinging to a rocky spur, on an exceptional site at the confluence of the Sèvre nantaise, the castle of Tiffauges invites you to discover its amazing conservatory of medieval war machines. Catapulted into history, come and experience a half-day of shows and animations and relive the history of Tiffauges in 3D cinema. In summer, don't miss the new theatrical tale about the builders of the fortress, as well as shows about war machines and chivalry. Costumed tours for 5-8 year olds and adventure books for 8-13 year olds. A site not to be missed.