Awarded the Centre Culturel de Rencontre label in 1996, the Abbaye aux Dames, located in Saintes in Charente-Maritime, has a project centred on heritage and creative music and supports artists' research work. It develops innovative bridges between tangible and intangible heritage, establishing a permanent dialogue between the heritage site it occupies and the artistic practices it houses and promotes.
THE HERITAGE SITE
On 02 November 1047, Notre-Dame de Saintes Abbey was consecrated in the presence of its founders, Geoffroi Martel Count of Anjou and his wife Agnès of Burgundy. It soon became known as the Abbaye aux Dames, in reference to the community of nuns who lived there until 1792. Powerful, independent abbesses held high the values of spirituality and enterprise, making the Abbaye aux Dames the first women's monastery in Saintonge. A thousand years of tormented history with a continuing influence. Today, the Abbaye aux Dames enjoys and perpetuates this influence. It is one of the key heritage sites in the town of Saintes.
THE CULTURAL PROJECT
Today, there is always something going on at the Abbaye aux Dames. Its many interconnected activities make it a lively Centre culturel de rencontre all year round. The Abbaye aux Dames is :
The Festival de Saintes, a renowned festival and a benchmark for early music that takes place every year in July.
A musical season ‘A season of keyboards’ featuring a wide range of artistic offerings, from major artists to emerging talents.
A spirit of creation encouraged by the artistic residencies ‘Les voix de l'Abbaye’.
The Jeune Orchestre de l'Abbaye, a professional orchestra unanimously recognised in Europe.
Cultural awareness activities throughout the year, aimed at a wide range of audiences.
Tours and experiences immersives, sensory, fun and connected to explore the site, its history and its music.
Musicaventure, heritage reinvented, offering sensory, fun and connected experiences to explore the site, its history and its music in an innovative way.
An unusual hotel, ‘Les Chambres de l'Abbaye’, converted nuns' cells to offer an intimate experience of the site.
A boutique, music and regional bookshop, local products and a space for relaxation and conviviality.
Historic rooms for hire in an exceptional setting for public or private events.