The romanesque priory of Villesalem was founded in 1109 and is a exceptional example of romanesque architecture in Poitou.  It was the home of Benedictine monks, some of whom were cloistered, and some of whome worked the land. They were strictly separated and under the regime of an Abbess.

At its creation, it consisted of a church, cloister - today in ruins - and beyond the fence, the Mens' Priory, of which some buildings still exist. These buildings were destroyed during the Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion.

Don't miss the church.  The sculputured facade of Notre Dame de la Paix is exceptional.

The Association of Friends of Villesalem organises excellent concerts here during the summer.

Close by is the Abbey of St Savin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with exceptional murals.

Also, not far away is Montmorillon, known as the "Town of the Written Word and Book Crafts"

See also:
Activities - Journet