A few kilometers from Poitiers, the flagship site of Maison Tardivon is an exceptional place to celebrate a union.
Facades lined with huge windows. Dormitories filled with my grandfather's hilarious laughter. Thunderstorms rumbling in the summer heat. Bare-handed crayfish fishing in the Boivre. Balloon game. Scorching sun. Lipstick. Flower dresses. Perfume for special occasions. Effluents from my childhood... For the author of these lines, Le Pin Abbey is a decomposed past come back to life. Happy memories at the dawn of the 90s, when my brother, no longer quite a child, made his communion. And I still remember the intense emotion of the monks' choir singing in the chapel, even though their presence had not been attested for ages. Have I heard them before? No matter. The memory rustles in these places.
With its immense proportions, verdant setting, enchanting nature and diverse worlds, the Abbaye du Pin leaves no one indifferent. More like indelible memories, sometimes fantasized, in the minds of those who, like me, were lucky enough to celebrate an event there. Recently, on May 6, 2023, I returned toimmortalize Barbara and Julien's big day. And I have to say, thirty years on, the magic is still there. Intact.
Modular venue
Let's cross the courtyard to the hall. A huge vestibule, it distributes two of the three rooms on the first floor, opening onto a park masterfully wooded with century-old trees. This is where Cécile Tardivon, who has been in charge of the site since 2011, welcomes us. "L'Abbaye du Pin is a flexible venue, suitable for all types of wedding, large or small. We can accommodate up to 300 people seated (400 standing)". Depending on size and ambience, you can choose from three intimate rooms (chapter house, salle aux Boiseries or dining room) in the abbey church, or the Tivoli in the park overlooking the building. And on a hot summer's day, why not take up the challenge of a cocktail reception in the courtyard of honor before extending the night in the maze of its walls?
That's the advantage of choosing Abbaye du Pin. In addition to a setting like no other in the Poitou region, you can leave the elaboration of your menu in the capable hands of the Tardivon team. Since 1980, the Poitevin caterer has maintained a reputation for excellence in the art of cooking and entertaining. To convince yourself of this, you need look no further than the litany of rave reviews from those who have tried our services. Or let yourself be carried away by some of these marvellous titles: "carré pain noir d'effiloché de truite fumée ciboulette", "terrine de foie gras de canard cuit à la fleur de sel" or "pyramide de Framboisine croustillante et son coulis de fruits rouges". We can't wait to taste these fresh, local, quality products.
"Personalized follow-up
Table setting, buffet presentation, tableware, welcoming guests... for Cécile Tardivon and her team of professionals, every detail counts and everything has to fit together. From conception to realization of our customers' wishes, we make it a point of honor to ensure personalized follow-up," explains Cécile Tardivon. We adapt to each customer's budget and constraints, but we treat everyone equally."
The Abbaye du Pin offers spacious accommodation, both outside (2.5 hectares of parkland, including the river and a splendid pond) and inside (beautiful, high-ceilinged salons, dormitories and even a cellar). But the heart of the ensemble is undoubtedly the chapel adjoining the Abbey. With its high walls that have stood the test of time, its open roof and massive doors, the enclosure is ideal for the most beautiful ceremonies. Unless, of course, you prefer the shade of the majestic lime tree.
Florent Bouteiller (Les Noces de Florent)
Abbey, summer camp, reception venue
Completed around 1141, the Abbey of Le Pin was first placed under the Benedictine rule before joining the stricter Cîteaux order in 1163. The Abbey's prosperity derived from its mining privilege, which allowed it to levy a tax on all wheat transactions in the county of Poitiers. With a monopoly on the manufacture of boisseaux (a unit of measurement for grain), it also obtained a monopoly on the import of grain into Poitiers. During the Protestant siege of Poitiers in 1569, the Abbey was looted and burned. It was sold as national property in 1792. In 1938, the parish of Asnières-sur-Seine acquired the site to establish a vacation camp. For the next seventy years, Abbaye du Pin was used for school groups, school trips and pilgrimage activities, until it was bought by Maison Tardivon in 2011.
Practical information for your wedding at Abbaye du Pin
When to book?
As usual, as soon as possible. For 2024, only a few dates remain.
How many beds does the Abbey sleep?
On the first floor, the abbey has 16 rooms for 2 to 6 people, for a total of 60 beds. In the old mill, accommodation is available for 4 people.
How long is the rental period for a wedding?
Rental runs from Friday 2.30 pm to Monday 9.30 am.
What is the rental price?
For a wedding, expect to pay €3,500.
Contact
Abbaye du Pin
13 rue de la Caillelle
86190 Villiers
Website: tardivon.fr
E-mail: abbayedupin@yahoo.fr
Tel. 05 49 51 86 14 or 06 03 79 54 77
Aliénor d'Aquitaine, the other Maison Tardivon estate
Another place, another estate, another atmosphere. Head north to Jaunay-Marigny to discover the more modern Domaine Aliénor-d'Aquitaine. Combining glass and metal, the grand Pavillon Aliénor is an unusual and elegant architectural marvel, set in 4 hectares of greenery. With a capacity of 400 m2, it can accommodate up to 350 seated guests, who will appreciate the view of Futuroscope and the vineyards. At night, the Maison Tardivon flagship is transformed by a play of lights that magnify its lines and shapes.
Contact Aliénor et Tardivon 05 49 51 86 14 or traiteur@tardivon.fr
Between Poitiers and La Rochelle, a photographer for your wedding
Photographer and videographer based in Poitiers, I travel all over France to immortalize your wedding. From the preparations to the evening, trust me to accompany you with a smile and good humor in the most beautiful adventure of your life. As a journalist for 15 years in Parisian editorial offices, I like to work in reportage mode, making myself as unobtrusive as possible to capture unexpected, spontaneous moments . As a certified drone pilot, I offer safe flights to make your wedding an unforgettable experience.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 06 03 88 50 26 or by e-mail for further information.
Share this story
