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Épau (L')

The abbey of Piété Dieu in l'Epau was founded in 1229 by Queen Berengaria, widow of Richard Coeur de Lion, and countess of the Maine province. During the Revolution, there were just six monks left in the abbey. It was considered as National wealth, and used for agricultural purposes. In 1959, its survival was threatened, and the Regional authorities bought it. Thirty years of restoration will give the building its original splendour. The aim of the restoration was to restore the monument in its construction and shape, as it was in the XIIIth and XIVth century. Today, the abbey of l'Epau is one of the most preserved in France, with almost all its building. The abbey, located at the entry of Le Mans, on the country of Yvré-l'Evêque, is shut in a 33, 11 acres park, closed by a surrounding wall.