Abbey of Saint-Vincent de Nieul-sur-l'Autise

During the 13th century, Nieul took part, together with Maillezais (Vendée), L’Absie and Saint-Maixent (both in the department of Deux-Sèvres), as well as other monasteries, in the drainage of the marshlands that covered much of this region, works that continued for many years, into the modern period. In 1317, with the creation of the diocese of Maillezais, the house ceased to depend on Poitiers and passed to the new bishopric, established on the former Benedictine abbey. During the third quarter of the 16th century, the complex was directly affected, also economically, by the Wars of Religion, when the apse of the church was lost.

Important parts of the monastic complex are preserved. The church retains only the three medieval naves: some elements date from the 11th century, but most of the structure belongs to the following century. The façade has been altered, and the chancel is a 19th-century reconstruction. To the south of the church lies the cloister, surrounded by other buildings; the chapter house is particularly notable, with a vault rebuilt in the 17th century. The refectory was destroyed during the Wars of Religion, and only the wall adjoining the cloister survives.