The Thoronet Abbey
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.
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.
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. The old cellar, wine tanks or the olive presses are witnesses of the economical, domestic, and spiritual activities in the monastery.
Commanderie de Peyrassol, an exceptional estate
Founded in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, the Commanderie de Peyrassol covers an area of some 850 hectares dotted with oaks and olive groves, with 93 hectares dedicated to growing grapes. Thanks to its outstanding natural location the Commanderie was a privileged staging post and a place of rest for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land.
Its monumental sculpture park
The monumental sculpture park located in the midst of the vines and woodland is one of the finest open-air collections of contemporary art. These works create a link between art and history, and a stroll along the park leads to surprising discoveries and reveals the intimate heart of the Commanderie, for which most of these works were specially created.
The poetical doorway of Gavin Turk, the sculptural Templar of Jean-Jacques Tosello and around 50 other works will challenge your imagination!
Its high quality wines
The wines of Peyrassol express the quality of the terroir and several centuries of know-how. Clos Peyrassol, Château Peyrassol and Commanderie de Peyrassol are three AOC* Côtes de Provence that represent the very essence of Provence.
*Appellation d’origine controlée = Protected Designation of Origin
