The Priory and its history
Yesterday, today and tomorrow: how this modest Priory has survived the centuries, become a family estate and been transformed into a charming place to live
Find out more about Prieuré Saint Pierre
Yesterday, today and tomorrow: how this modest Priory has survived the centuries, become a family estate and been transformed into a place of authentic charm for you to enjoy an idyllic stay in a wonderful, warm and relaxing setting?
A magical place steeped in history
The founding of the Prieuré Saint Pierre dates back to the early 13th century. It is probably linked to the appearance of a miraculous spring, which led to the creation of St. Mary's chapel, which still exists today in Réaumur. In 1203, according to the archives of the Sainte Trinité de Mauléon abbey (Order of Saint Augustine), Pierre de Bellosa, the knight who saw the spring, became the first prior monk of the Prieuré Saint Pierre.
This small priory has remained modest over the centuries. The few monks who lived there were totally self-sufficient, with just a few hectares of land, a little livestock, crops, an orchard and a vegetable garden. They had the distinction of being secular monks, meaning they looked after the parish of Réaumur. The first Réaumur parish priest did not arrive until after the French Revolution.
This small priory has remained modest over the centuries. The few monks who lived there were totally self-sufficient, with just a few hectares of land, a little livestock, crops, an orchard and a vegetable garden. They had the distinction of being secular monks, meaning they looked after the parish of Réaumur. The first Réaumur parish priest did not arrive until after the French Revolution.
After suffering a fire in 1789, this classic Vendéen dwelling was rebuilt in 1791 by Jean Pons, the last prior monk. A swearing priest, he acquired the estate, which was sold as national property in 1791. Further destruction is said to have occurred during the passage of Turreau's infernal columns through Réaumur. These events marked the end of the monastic presence. Resold several times in the early XIXᵉ century, the estate was bought back in 1831 by Pierre-Joseph Audé, royal notary and ancestor of the current owners
In addition to the monastic garden, traces of the former chapel, the garden entrance pillars, the water stamp that fed rainwater into the vegetable garden, the former henhouse, a 17th-century building (dormitory, refectory?), the bread oven, the washing apples and the washhouse can still be seen.
