Abbey of Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes

During the second half of the 8th century, Ension suffered from the conflicts affecting the region, leading to a weakening of monastic discipline and, eventually, occupation by a canonical community. In the 9th century, monks from Vertou took refuge at Ension to escape the Norman invasions, bringing with them the relics of their founder, Martin de Vertou. At that time, they introduced or restored the Rule of Saint Benedict, acknowledging that it might have already been practiced there in the 6th century. This reform met with resistance from the canonical community, which was eventually forced to accept it.

This long period of prosperity was interrupted by the Hundred Years’ War. In this context, during the second half of the 14th century, the monastery was fortified. Once this threat had passed, major works were carried out in the second half of the 15th century, including the construction of the Gothic cloister. By the end of the century, the monastery came under the rule of commendatory abbots. It was also affected by other events, such as the Wars of Religion (1568–69), during which it was pillaged by its own abbot and left in ruins.

The church is a large building with three naves spanning ten bays, a transept, and a chevet formed by a large apse containing the presbytery, surrounded by an ambulatory with three chapels. Each arm of the transept also includes an additional chapel. Most of the building dates from the 11th and 12th centuries, although it was later modified and restored due to war damage. Major restoration works were also carried out in the second half of the 19th century, when the church became a parish. In addition to the church, one gallery of the Gothic cloister and some secondary buildings are still standing.