The Grammont Priory is a former priory of the Grandmont Order, founded by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. It is located in Chassay, within the commune of Saint-Prouant.
Among the best-preserved and most complete priories of this order in France (only missing the cloister), it is owned by the Vendée department and open to visitors.
Long thought to have been founded by Richard the Lionheart in 1194, the actual foundation date of the priory is likely slightly later. The construction of the buildings occurred around the same time, circa 1200. The architecture, remarkably well-preserved, is very consistent.
The chapel's vault was replaced by the current framework in the 17th century. In 1772, the Grandmontain order was abolished by the commission of regulars, and the buildings were converted into an agricultural enterprise until they were acquired by the municipality in 1985.
The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.