Nieul-sur-l'Autise is a village at the southernmost edge of the Vendée department (to the south of Vouvant and south-east of Fontenay-le-Comte).
Explore Nieul-Sur-l'Autise
The principal sites of note in Nieul-sur-l'Autise - classified as a 'Petite Cite de Caractere' - include a watermill, now a functioning watermill where you can watch flour being ground using traditional machinery, and some traditional houses around the central square in the village (opposite the abbey entrance).
Most visitors come to the village to see the Abbey.
Abbey of Saint Vincent
The Abbey of Saint Vincent was established here in the 11th century. The abbey subsequently became designated a royal abbey by Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was born in Nieul in 1122.
The abbey church is roman in style and origins. The abbey underwent some restoration following damage during the Wars of Religion, had significant restoration work in the 19th century.
The clocktower, added much more recently, is rather less simple in design than we might expect of a roman church. Nonetheless the abbey and associated buildings are one of the most complete ensembles of roman buildings of their type to be found in France.
The abbey has various attractive features such as carvings, sculptures and arches but for me it is the original romanesque cloisters that are the highlight, with their great multi-columned pillars and calm reflective arcades.
Close to Nieul-Sur-l'Autise
The remains of a neolithic camp are to be found at Nieul-sur-l'Autise - Le Camp Durand - with defensive ditches dating back to prehistoric times.
Enthusiast of religious monuments will want to visit Maillezais Abbey, just a few kilometres to the south-west of Nieul-sur-l'Autise. Visitors will also enjoy a stroll around the historic centre and along the river in Fontenay-le-Comte.
Note: Photo by Lundeux details & copyright
You can find more travel ideas in the Vendee guide and the Pays de la Loire guide.
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Map of Nieul-sur-l'Autise and places nearby
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Maillezais abbey
The ruins of the Maillezais abbey are on the edge of the marshes of the Marais Poitevin
Maillezais abbey guide
Fontenay-le-Comte
With some interesting 18th century townhouses to see, Fontenay-le-Comte is also home to the Chateau de Terre-Neuve
Fontenay-le-Comte guide
Coulon
Established since 2000 years agio, Coulon is now a centre for exploring the Marais-Poitevin marshes
Coulon guide
Marais Poitevin
The Marais-Poitevin is a region of canals and marshes, an unusual environment best explored by boat
Marais Poitevin guide
Vouvant
The pleasant village of Vouvant still retains part of a medieval castle and an ancient stone bridge
Vouvant guide
Niort
Niort is a picturesque large town with a donjon, a market hall and a large historic centre to explore
Niort guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vendee
Address: Nieul-sur-l'Autise, Saint-Hilaire-des-Loges, Fontenay-le-Comte, Pays de la Loire, 85240, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.424, longitude -0.678
Plan your visit to Nieul-sur-l'Autise, Vendee
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye Royale (Nieul-sur-l'Autise): religious monument
- Abbaye Saint Pierre et Eglise de Saint Nicolas (Maillezais): religious monument (7 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Eulalie (Benet): religious monument (9 km)
- Marais Poitevin: grand site of france (10 km)
- Fontenay-le-Comte: recommended detour (11 km)
- Natur'Zoo de Mervent: zoo or wildlife park (11 km)
- Eglise de Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (Maille): religious monument (12 km)
- Coulon: most beautiful village (13 km)
- Eglise de Notre-Dame (Vouvant): religious monument (18 km)
- Vouvant: most beautiful village (18 km)
- Baie de l'Aiguillon: site of natural beauty (18 km)
- Forêt de Benon: site of natural beauty (26 km)
The French version of this page is at Nieul-sur-l'Autise (Francais)