THE PRIORY OF VIVOIN

The priory of Saint-Hippolyte de Vivoin was built in the ^11th century by Raoul ^I, viscount of Beaumont, and invested by the Benedictine monks of Marmoutier in Touraine. Originally, a château was built at the same time as the priory, but this has now completely disappeared. It is a remarkable testimony to the religious architecture of the Haut Maine region. It underwent major modifications in the ^16th century, including the construction of a dwelling and the restoration of the cloister in Renaissance style. After the French Revolution, it was converted into a farm: part of the buildings were razed to the ground, while the rest underwent extensive alterations. The former priory gradually fell into disrepair, and it took over thirty years of work to create this vast complex, representative of the major architectural trends of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance art. Self-guided tours are punctuated by explanatory panels. The textile garden, with its dye and fiber plants, an orchard, a former fishpond and a wildflower fallow, is remarkable. In addition to the many cultural events highlighting the priory and its architecture, there are numerous events highlighting the priory's art center or music at festivals and performances. The priory is now a true living space, and since its change of ownership has also housed the Centre d'Art Plastique et Contemporain. Here you can admire a permanent collection of sculptures and paintings.