Abbaye du Thoronet
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Abbaye du Thoronet - by Emmanuel Hincelin on Google
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.
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
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
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
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
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THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
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Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
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
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