Bienvenue sur le site du Pays Mareuillais

The church at Moutiers sur Lay

Founded around the 5^th century, the first church on this site was destroyed. A new edifice was built in the 12^th century, as shown by the roman chancel.

After having long been the residence of the bishops of Luçon, the church and priory were destroyed during the religious wars and the wars of the Vendée.

Whilst rebuilt in the 19^th century, the church was entirely restored in 1988 and is now a listed monument.

The museum at Dissais (11^th to 12^th century)

Witness to the religious wars and to the French Revolution, sold to the state, then abandoned… it was restored in 1993 to house the memorial to the Three Battles of Luçon - a turning point in the wars of the Vendée.

In 1793, on the 28^th of June, the 30^th of July and the 14^th of August, the Vendée army tried in vain to take the cathedral town : Luçon.
These battles resulted in a heavy loss of life : more than 7500 dead.

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The Tower at Bessay

Situated on the last high ground of the Bocage Vendéen, facing the plain of Luçon, the Château of Bessay is both a private residence and a site open to the public.

The medieval aspect of the Henry IV tower, with its restored historic rooms, its battlements and its exceptional timber framed dome, give this Renaissance château a superb architectural originality.

The shady park with century-old trees harbours the biggest dovecote of the region - 3000 niches - really unique.

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The church at Mareuil sur Lay

The present church was built in the 12^th century. Certain parts date back further, such as the lobby which could be the vestiges of a small bell porch which would have dated from the 11th century.

After the church and priory were burnt down by the Protestants in 1568, the church remained in ruins for almost a century. After being roughly restored, it was again destroyed during the Revolution. Substantial work was undertaken between 1877 and 1920. Finally, between 1964 and 1967, this eight hundred year old monument was brought back to it's former glory.