The Abbey of Châtres located near the village of Saint-Brice (Charente) is a Romanesque style abbey built in the 12th century whose history and architecture are rich, unusual and mysterious.

Its architecture is characterized by two very significant elements. First, a facade with a very beautiful poly-lobed gate. 

The façade has 3 levels with 3 then 5 and finally 9 arcades framed by two columns. The very fine and elegant sculptures are mostly based on acanthus flowers. Another significant element: in the interior a row of 4 domes on pendentives such as are very rarely seen in Charente.

One is surprised by the contrast between the exterior of the abbey, refined and elegant, and the nudity of the interior