Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Chezal-Benoît

Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Chezal-Benoît is a Benedictine abbey combining architectural elements from the medieval period through the 17th century. The complex preserves an original nave alongside contemporary stained glass windows that complement its historic character.

The abbey was founded in 1093 by Eudes Arpin, Viscount of Bourges, and settled by Benedictine monks led by Brother André from Vallombreuse Abbey in Tuscany. It later became the head of the Casalian congregation, coordinating multiple religious institutions across the region.

The abbey church displays contemporary stained glass windows created by artist Jean Mauret. These were completed in 2023 through a public fundraising campaign.

The abbey is situated near the intersection of several roads and is easy to access by vehicle. Being located in a rural area, arriving by car allows visitors to explore the surrounding landscape comfortably.

The abbey served as a connecting hub for male and female religious communities across the region during its time as the congregation's center. This network of religious houses linked different parts of the church until the structure dissolved in the early 17th century.