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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. [1] Agnes later retired to the nunnery and died there. [2]
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. [3]
The abbey church, Sainte-Marie-des-Dames, dates from the 12th century.
45°44′41″N 0°37′27″W / 45.74472°N 0.62417°W