What is "saint-michel-en-l'herm"

Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm is a commune in the Vendée department in the Pays de la Loire region in western France.

One of the most famous landmarks in this area is the Abbey of Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm. The history of the abbey traces back to 682 AD when it was constructed by the benedictine monks from Noirmoutier. In 1569, Protestants attacked the abbey and killed approximately 200 monks dwelling within the walls of this structure. The motives of the attack are still being debated, but one main theory is that the Protestants came to seek the treasure and manuscripts left hidden in the abbey by the Bishop of Luçon.