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"Seal of the abbey
Notre Dame de Moreilles" |
An Hospitality Tradition For 9 Centuries…
Founded before 1109, cistercian and the 63rd daughter
of Clairvaux, the Abbey Notre-Dame of Moreilles was
the first to drain and cultivate this land which became
the Poitevin Marsh.The canal of Bot Neuf was dug in
1119. Called " the Pearl of the Marsh ",
the rich abbey was plundered and destroyed
during the Religious War.
During the XVIIth century, after he left the bishopric of
Luçon, , Richelieu became the general abbot
of Moreilles. At the same time he started to win
power and fortune.
In 1635 he had to exchange Moreilles in a three parts
deal : he gave Moreilles to his successor in Luçon,
Emery de Bragelogne, who gave to Pierre de Nivelle his
bishopric, the last one offered to Richelieu the title
of general abbot of Cîteaux, meaning of the cistercian order.
"Since it has been promised to me so many times,
no one can take it away from me without taking my honor away."
Armand Jean du Plessis Cardinal of Richelieu,
About the Abbaye Notre-Dame of Moreilles
During the same century Le Château was built for the general abbot and a new abbey was established.
During the French Revolution and Vendée War, the monastic square was destroyed. Le Château and outbuildings were sold as national goods.
The Park, which is unusual in the Marsh, was planted in 1848. The gate was built in the same year. Maybe its pillars come from the former Chapter room.
The small Chapel was built in 1854. It has been consecrated.
We are glad and happy to receive our guests for 20 years, and therefore revive a 9 centuries hospitality tradition…
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