title: Abbaye aux Dames, Saintes
text: # Abbaye aux Dames, Saintes
  
  The Abbaye aux Dames ("Ladies' Abbey") was the first Benedictine nunnery in Saintes in Charente-Maritime in France. The abbey was founded in 1047 by Geoffrey II, Count of Anjou, and his wife Agnes. Agnes later retired to the nunnery and died there.
  
  One of its abbesses was Agnès of Barbezieux (1134–1174), whose relative, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was a generous donor to the abbey.
  
  Madame de Montespan was educated here.
  
  It is located next to the town's Arch of Germanicus and was classified a monument historique in 1948.
  
  The abbey church, Sainte-Marie-des-Dames, dates from the 12th century.
  
  ## Pictures
  
  * Church
  * Roman porch
  * Door
  * Nave
  