Châteliers Abbey, La Flotte: history and visit

The Châteliers Abbey, or Notre-Dame de Ré Abbey, is a ruined former Cistercian abbey at La Flotte, on Île de Ré. Founded around the middle of the 12th century, it was sacked several times, abandoned in 1574, then used as a stone quarry in the 17th century. What remains are the ruins of a Gothic church, protected as a historic monument.

The abbey at a glance

• Where: La Flotte, Île de Ré.
• Order: Cistercian.
• Foundation: around the middle of the 12th century, with gifts from the lord of Ré, Eble de Mauléon.
• Destructions: 1294, 1388, 1462, then 1574.
• Abandonment: in 1574, by the monks.
• Today: the ruins of a Gothic church, restored in 1997.

Why was this abbey so important?

Notre-Dame de Ré Abbey, known as Les Châteliers, was founded with the help of the abbots Isaac, of L'Étoile (in Poitou), and Jean, of Trizay, thanks to gifts from the lord of Ré, Eble de Mauléon.

In the 12th and 13th centuries it was very important. It was well placed, near the island's main landing place. Through successive gifts, the monastery gradually took control of most of the island's land.

How did the abbey fall into ruin?

• 1294: the English fleet sacked the abbey, which was then rebuilt.
• 1388: partial destruction during the Hundred Years' War.
• 1462: another partial destruction, followed by a general repair.
• 1574: Protestants ravaged it during the Wars of Religion, and the monks abandoned it.
• 1625: part of the stones was used to build the nearby Fort de la Prée.

In the 17th century the ruins passed to the Oratorians. Only the choir remained standing and was used as a chapel. The church was then called "Saint-Laurent chapel".

Who were the Cistercians?

The Cistercian order was born in 1098 with the founding of Cîteaux Abbey by Robert of Molesme. It played an important role in the religious history of the 12th century: a return to the Benedictine rule, a taste for simplicity, rigour in the liturgy, and work as a central value. It grew when Bernard of Clairvaux and his companions joined it in 1112.

Excavations and restoration

Since the 1960s the commune has sought to preserve the ruins, with consolidation and enhancement work. The département launched a restoration in 1997.

The excavations produced sculptures and paving tiles, which can be seen today at the Maison du Platin, in La Flotte. Thanks to them, we can imagine what the abbey looked like before its destruction.

Visiting the Châteliers Abbey

The ruins are those of a Gothic church. Guided tours are offered by the "La Maison du Platin" eco-museum. Days and times change with the season: check with them before you go.

Your questions about the Châteliers Abbey

Where is the Châteliers Abbey?

At La Flotte, on Île de Ré, in Charente-Maritime.

When was it founded?

Around the middle of the 12th century. Sources do not all give the same precise date.

Why is it in ruins?

Because of several destructions (1294, 1388, 1462, then 1574), and because its stones were used to build the Fort de la Prée in 1625.

What is a Cistercian abbey?

An abbey of the order born at Cîteaux in 1098, committed to the Benedictine rule, simplicity and work.

Can you visit it?

Yes. La Maison du Platin organises guided tours. Check the dates before you go.

Take home a memory of Île de Ré

Our shop is in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. You will find ways to bring back a piece of the island:

• Île de Ré souvenirs
• Île de Ré magnets
• Île de Ré mugs

Read more

• The Phare des Baleines lighthouse
• Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island's capital
• The donkeys in trousers of Île de Ré

And you, have you visited the ruins? Tell us in the comments.