Saint-Jean-d’Angély - Michel Louis Étienne Regnaud

The town developed next to the "Abbaye royale", founded in the 9th century by Pepin I of Aquitaine to house a relic of Saint John the Baptist. During the Viking raids, they abbey was given up, but refounded thanks to Cluny. The abbey got wealthy and important, as most pilgrims, following the Via Turonensis stopped here. The abbey got looted during the 100 Years War and burned down during the Wars of Religion. Rebuilt in the 17th and 18th century, the buildings of the former abbey now house the "Centre de Culture Européenne".

Seen here is the central square. The "Hôtel de ville" is on the left. The "Salle Municipale"), erected in 1805 as a market hall from stones taken from the cloister of the abbey, to the right.

In the center is the statue of Michel Louis Étienne Regnaud (aka "Michel Regnaud de Saint-Jean d'Angély") in front. In 1789, he was elected deputy to the Estates-General by the Third Estate of Saint-Jean-d'Angély. He survived the violent times of the Revolution and later enjoyed the confidence of Napoleon Bonaparte. After the battle of Waterloo, he was one of the advisers, who persuaded Napoleon to abdicate.

Not to be seen here is the recommendable "Restaurant de la Place". I took this photo right after breakfast from the entrance of that restaurant.

Centre de Culture Européenne - www.cceangely.org/Site_CCE/
Hotel / Restaurant de la Place - www.hoteldelaplace.net/