L'abbaye des Augustins (Augustins’ Abbey)

Augustins’ Abbey is an ancient convent built in the 13th century for the “beggar order”. It sheltered 30 nuns before the partial destruction by protestants in 1568; 8 of the nuns were thrown down wells during this event.
The Abbey was sold to the French equivalent of the National Trust in 1791. One sees the 3 pointed chapel gables with flamboyant sides and elegant 15th century door. The daughter of the Count of Taillebourg, a princess, is buried there. The convents’ façade is simple and monastic despite the mouldings on the large door, over which is a small round window known as “an eye of beef” very common in the Saintonge, and also the tall triangular gable.

(Original French text by Robert Orgé)