Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm | |
Commune Status: | Commune |
Arrondissement: | Fontenay-le-Comte |
Canton: | Luçon |
Insee: | 85255 |
Postal Code: | 85580 |
Mayor: | Éric Sautreau[1] |
Term: | 2020 - 2026 |
Intercommunality: | Sud Vendée Littoral |
Coordinates: | 46.3553°N -1.2475°W |
Elevation Min M: | 1 |
Elevation Max M: | 17 |
Area Km2: | 54.8 |
Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm (in French pronounced as /sɛ̃ miʃɛl ɑ̃ lɛʁm/) is a commune in the Vendée department in the Pays de la Loire region in western France.
One of the most famous local landmarks is the Abbey of Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm. The abbey dates from 682 AD when it was constructed by Benedictine monks from Noirmoutier. In 1569, Protestants attacked it, killing approximately 200 monks. The motives for the attack are still debated, but one theory is that the attackers sought treasure and manuscripts hidden by the Bishop of Luçon.