Explore The Thoronet Abbey
What is “The Thoronet Abbey”?
Surrounded by hills, the Thoronet is one of the most outstanding abbeys in France. It was built in 1 146 by the Cistercian Order and, although it is centuries old, it remains one of the best preserved ancient buildings. The visitors can still admire its fantastic Romanesque architecture made with specific local stones, stroll along different rooms (the church, the refectory…), and admire the cloister.
The Thoronet Abbey is the perfect place to learn more about the Cistercians through centuries, monks who chose to live outside the modern world to create a place dedicated to labor and prayers. In addition, the old cellar, wine tanks or the olive presses are witnesses of the economical, domestic, and spiritual activities in the monastery.
Thoronet Abbey’s features
Acoustic of the Abbey is exceptional and contributes to its legend. Even nowadays, the scientists try to understand how the architecture can produce such a perfect and pure sound! All the guides of the Abbey are singers. A renowned medieval music festival, with Gregorian chants, takes place in the Abbey every July.
With 120 000 visitors/year, the Thoronet Abbey is the 1st historical monument to be visited in the Var Provence area.
WHAT TO DO:
- Guided tour of the Abbey: The Cellar, the Cloister, the Capitular room, the Dormitory, the Church… Enjoy the exceptional acoustics of the place with a singer guide! + Mass every Sundays.
- Workshops available: Make an herbarium with Provençal plant specimens, a calligraphy bookmark, enjoy tasting sessions of local products made by the Sisters of Bethlehem.
- Have a welcome French breakfast (croissants, bread…) or lunch.
- Visit the souvenir shop for a gift.
- More: visit a vineyard estate located a few steps away from the Abbey.
