SANDCASTLE ABBEY

The abbey was home to Augustinian canons for six centuries, but English invasions, the Wars of Religion and several fires mutilated it. Today, at the request of the Bishop of La Rochelle, it is part of the Chemin Neuf community. The buildings, owned by the bishopric of La Rochelle and Saintes, are open to visitors all year round, with guided tours in spring and summer. The abbey - which is a stopover on the Camino de Compostela pilgrimage route - also offers rooms for travellers.