This is the oldest Monastery in the Western world, since the Abbey stands at the place to which Saint Martin withdrew in 361 - a cell in the outbuildings of a ruined Gallo-Roman villa given to him by Saint Hilaire, Bishop of Poitiers.

Saint Martin was soon surrounded by followers and the hermit became the head of a community of prayers. Some ten years later he was almost removed by force by people from Tours who moved him to their city and made him their bishop.

From then the Abbey has had a highly chequered history. Destroyed in the eighth century, the monastery was later restored and bBy 1307 it had become the Pope’s country house during visits to Poitiers and thrived until around 1520 when the community of monks died out.

Between 1606 and 1761 Ligugé served as a country house and seat of learning for the Jesuit school but when they gave it up it was at first kept as a royal see and later bought by the innkeeper of “The Golden Lion” in Poitiers.

On March 1, 1852, the priory was acquired by Monsignor Pie, Bishop of Poitiers and four monks from Solesmes were sent to re-start its life as a religious centre.

Then in 1901 the monks were expelled and moved to Chevretogne in Belgium, they returned from exile if 1923 and built the church in the monastery which was dedicated in October 1929.

The Abbey is now best known for its enamel works and its dedication to music, especially that from the Medieval period.

Today's community numbers about 40 members aged from 26 to 90.They have chosen to live under the monastic rule written in the 6th century by St. Benedict.

As in all Benedictine monasteries, community life is regulated by periods devoted to prayer, work and fraternal life.

The Monastery is open from 9 to 11am daily during the week and on Sundays between 11.15am and 12.15am; 3pm to 4.15pm; 5.15 to 6pm. It is south of Poitiers on the D4 road to Vivonne.

There has been significant archaeological excavation at the site which have served to reveal exceptionally rare Christian monuments - some of the oldest in France - and the best preserved since important parts have remained above ground.