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Abbaye du Thoronet

D79, Le Thoronet, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

Thoronet Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey located in Provence (South Eastern France), between the towns of Draguignan and Brignoles. It was built in the later part of the 12th century and started declining from the 14th century until it was deconsecrated in 1785. It is now owned by the state and used as a museum. In typical Cistercian style, there are few ornamentations although some decorative features such as a fountain and some statues were added in the 18th century. The cloister was at the center of monastic life and is placed accordingly in the middle of the Abbey

Access & Transport

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume is a 35mins bus ride (LER 20) from Aix-en-Provence. By car, it is 40km to the east of Aix-en-Provence (A8 expressway), 65km northeast of Marseille and 65km north of Toulon.

Instructions & Recommendations

Audioguides are available for 3€ and some guided visited are conducted several times a week.

Meta review

Online reviews for the Abbey are unsurprisingly a little mixed given that the Cistercian order is known for the very sobre style of its buildings. There is a significant percentage of visitors who were underwhelmed by the lack of artwork but those who had rented the audio-guide or attended a guided tour got the benefit of information relating to monastic life inside the complex and did enjoy their experience, noting how impressive the acoustics of the church are.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Helps preserve the region's architectural and cultural heritage

Conclusion

This is a perfect example of Cistercian Order abbey, but given the lack of fancy architecture and ornementation, we would recommend it to those with a keen interest for religious buildings and strongly advise visitors to make use of the audio-guide to better appreciate and make sense of what they are seeing.

Key positive

Well preserved

Amazing church acoustics

Key negative

Lack of visual impact

Suitability

There is an alternative route for visitors with reduced mobility. No religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, 01 May, 01 Nov, 11 Nov, 25 Dec. Last entrance 30mins before closing time.

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1 / Period 1

MONDAY10:00 - 18:30

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:30

Season 1 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY10:00 - 13:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 13:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 13:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 13:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 13:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 13:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 13:00

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY14:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY14:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY14:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY14:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY14:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY14:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY14:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€9
Adult
18 - 64
€9
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Free for EU national and residents under 26yrs old

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