Grammont Priory, Saint-Prouant, France

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.

User Reviews

Philippe Lespinasse (2 years ago)
A quick visit. Little to see outside the perfectly preserved walls. No furniture, but the place is very well maintained.

Nicolas Hellfésteur (2 years ago)
Entrance €4 per adult which is very reasonable. About 45 minutes of visit, small store with souvenirs and delicacies. The entire site is wheelchair accessible. Very large parking lot, green spaces. Toilets on site and very clean. The site is very pretty and very well preserved, each piece is well explained and illustrated. The church at the end of the visit is magnificent. There are leftover paintings almost everywhere, it's a shame there aren't more left. The lighting highlights the first rooms very well. I recommend this visit, there are plenty of visits to do in the surrounding area for those like us who spend whole days visiting. Château St Mesmin, fortified church of Boupère, château de Pouzauge etc......

Bonnet Aurelie (2 years ago)
Great visit today. Do not hesitate to ask for a free guided tour, included in the price if the guides are on site. We are entitled to it with Marceau today, super savvy and delighted to share his knowledge. As for the natural setting, absolutely sublime, do not hesitate, beautiful discovery.

Sarah Junay (Mam et Jo) (3 years ago)
Very beautiful priory visited during the Heritage Days. The visit is very quick on the other hand, not much to see. But the place is peaceful, bucolic, large parking lot, shaded picnic tables.

Thierry Leveque (3 years ago)
Heritage of the day I went to the priory of ?. That's wonderful.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Grammont Priory

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople