Château de l'Abbaye de Moreilles boasts a history of over nine centuries, starting sometime before 1109 when the abbey was founded. The monks continued to develop the land around Moreilles, and in 1199 dug the Bot Neuf Canal as part of a larger drainage and irrigation project. Because of its good reputation, the Abbey of Moreilles grew to be a renowned and influential group in the region. Unfortunately, the abbey and its domains would suffer greatly during the Wars of Religion, and later again in 1615.

The famed Cardinal Richelieu once served as abbot here, though he later ceded the abbey and its church properties to Emery de Bragelogne, the Bishop of Luçon, in exchange for the Abbey of Cîteaux. In turn, Emery de Bragelogne handed over the Bishopric of Luçon to Pierre de Nivelle. Bragelogne spent the last 30 years of his life at Moreilles, leading various projects that grew the abbey's prestige.

The abbey was ruined once again during the French Revolution and the ensuing War in the Vendée. The buildings and lands were also confiscated as National Property and sold at auctions. While it fell into neglect, restorations and new constructions were done in the 19th century. This resulted in a new look for the estate, turning it into a petit chateau property and thus inspiring its name Château de l'Abbaye.

The present-day owners of Château de l'Abbaye de Moreilles are the Renard family. Danielle Renard acquired the estate over 30 years ago, restoring the main building and gradually remodeling its rooms and spaces for guests to use. Work continues to this day, but the transformations it has undergone have turned the former abbey into a majestic countryside retreat.

Design and Architecture

The main building of Château de l'Abbaye de Moreilles was constructed sometime in the 17th century, following the conventions of provincial manors at the time. Later in the 19th century, it was remodeled into a small chateau while preserving and incorporating all the classical features. One such structure is Le Portail, an outer building of the estate believed to be a gatehouse and hostel for travelers. It is now one of the featured romantic rooms offered by the estate, featuring a hot tub for two. There are also cases where parts of the abbey that could not be restored were instead repurposed, such as when the old stone enclosure was reused for a small chapel that was built in 1854.

For its accommodations, the chateau focuses on creating a romantic and historic atmosphere. The old brick floors, stonework walls, and wooden ceilings are complemented by antique furniture and fixtures such as charming chandeliers and lamps. Colorful carpets protect your feet from the cold floor, while the modern beds are designed in period styles that match the room's theme.

Guests are in for a treat as Château de l'Abbaye de Moreilles offers wonderful dining experiences that are not only refined but also filled with French hospitality.

For 18 EUR (20 USD), you can start your day with a hearty breakfast, served in the lovely dining room, garden terrace, or the comfort of your guestroom. The continental breakfast includes bread, eggs, as well as cheeses and jams, all of which are made fresh and with quality ingredients.

If you're craving a delectable wine, cocktail, or spirit, feel free to drop by the chateau's lounge bar. The relaxing atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after a long day or for enjoying company with some delectable tipple.

Cap your day with a romantic candlelit dinner featuring bourgeois cuisine, either in the gorgeous dining salon or under the stars and moon on the terrace. Aside from the amazing French cuisine, guests can also avail a Thai menu, though the reservation must be made several days in advance to provide the host time to procure ingredients. Bask in the refined ambiance of the dinner service, further complemented by the crackling fireplace, fine china, and antique silverware.

Reservations are required and can be made through the hotel's website.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Situated in France's western coastal region of Pays de la Loire, Château de l'Abbaye de Moreilles provides a multitude of ways to enjoy your holiday. The area around the chateau is dotted with beautiful farming and seaside communes, each with its own charms and gifts. La Rochelle is a historic city along the Atlantic coast, dating back to the Gallo-Roman times, and was always a hotly contested location during France's many wars. In our peaceful times, its vibrant port towns are filled with seafood restaurants and boats offering charter services. There are also plenty of museums and historic buildings to visit, such as the Musée du Nouveau Monde with its colonial history exhibits.

Other Celebrations

Make your next birthday or anniversary more memorable by celebrating it with Château de l'Abbaye de Moreilles. Request a personalized touch when you book the chateau's special candlelit dinner service. They might even be able to refer local businesses for extra touches such as special items or performances.

If instead you have a group planning and planning a meeting or small gathering, you may also privatize one or several rooms for your seminar. Be sure to contact the management in regards to your booking so you can work out which rooms best suit your needs.