La Sauve-Majeure Abbey

A masterpiece of Romanesque art, La Sauve-Majeure Abbey, founded in 1079, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Ways of St. James. Beloved by pilgrims, this former Benedictine abbey, a listed Historic Monument, retains some magnificent remains within its ruined church, as evidenced by the choir's remarkable historiated capitals. Beautifully kept, their carved details depict biblical, fantastical and plant motifs. Original sin, Daniel in the lions' den, Samson's life, the temptation of Christ, the sacrifice of Abraham, the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist and a battle of mythical creatures are among the narrative scenes you can admire at La Sauve-Majeure.

As well as the gems of the abbey church, you can also see traces of the chapter room with its low columns, a few remains of the scriptorium, and a wall with Gothic bays belonging to the refectory.

Before leaving, the bravest visitors will want to climb the 157 steps in the bell tower. From the top, there's a beautiful panoramic view of the abbey site, the village of La Sauve and the landscapes of Entre-deux-Mers!

In the college's old chapel, a stone museum with a collection of sculptures from the abbey rounds off the visit.