Prieuré de Trizay

The abbey's origins date back to the 11th century when it was built in the middle of a forest on a promontory overlooking the Arnoult Valley. Initially inhabited by Benedictine monks, the priory was later taken over by monks of the Order of La Chaise-Dieu. The community, initially consisting of about 13 monks and numerous lay brothers, was subordinate to the distant mother monastery. In the 12th century, the abbey church was built as an octagonal central structure. During the Wars of Religion (1562–1598), the monastery was converted into a fortress but still suffered looting and destruction. After the French Revolution, the remains were sold for demolition and converted into a farm. It was not until 1920 that the complex was recognized as a Monument historique, and restoration work by the municipality of Trizay began in 1990.

The Abbey of Trizay is located in the municipality of Trizay in the Charente-Maritime department, in the Poitou-Charentes region, France, at an elevation of approximately 12 meters above sea level.

The church of the Abbey of Trizay is now accessible to visitors. The ruins, including parts of the octagonal central structure, chapels, and the chapter house, have been restored.