Since 1104 a priory existed here, depending from the Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes. The erection of the church was completed in 1200 - and by now is the parish church for the population of Corme-Écluse. All other building, that belonged to the priory are lost.

Notre Dame has a wonderful facade, a perfect example of the "style saintongeais". The carvings here are delicate like fine lace.

Notre Dame has a wonderful facade, a perfect example of the "style saintongeais". The carvings are delicate like fine lace.

There are some extraordenary corbels here, what is no suprise, having seen the portal. This is by far the weirdest hairdo, I have ever seen.
This was the church of a priory belonging to the Benedictian nunnery "Abbaye aux Dames", so what did this mean?