Airvault - Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre was the church of one of the largest Augustinian abbeys in the Poitou, that was founded in 991 by Audéarde, the wife of viscount Herbert I of Thouars. The monastery was on one of the "chemins" of the Via Turonensis, so when the number of pilgrims increased, the Canons Regular of St. Augustine had this large church erected in two construction phases from the 12th century on.

When the era of the pilgrimage ended, the abbey declined and impoverished during the Hundred Years' War. Most conventual buildings were destroyed in the Wars of Religion. The abbey church now serves the parish.

Saint Pierre is equipped with a rare mechanical organ from the 19th century, that is placed in the nave. The young the lady was so generous to demonstrate the instrument. There is even "profane music"!

Mr. Serge Rousseau has uploaded a video to youtube, so you can listen to the old organ.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL_SuuDtLus