Virtual Visit

At Garden Level : Visitors enter the 12^th century vaulted rooms after seeing a video of the eventful history of the Abbey from the 6^th century to the present and viewing an exhibit of historical plans and photographs explaining the many exciting facets of this ancient place. Passing through the former Abbey kitchen with its monumental fireplace and bread oven, visitors are immersed in the splendour of the monks’ 17th century renovations.  Vaulted gallery is dedicated to changing exhibitions of contemporary art. See program…

In the Gardens : Leaving the main courtyard, dominated by the majestic facade of the abbatial palace, visitors enter the Italian garden, which plays out in charming Tuscan style. Twin raised stone ponds, stone vases and carved stone sculptures harmonise with parterres of old roses bordered by a pergola covered with wisteria and Lady Banks roses. Further along, an arcade of impressive vaulted arches supports a huge terrace built in the 17^th century and offers spectacular views of the Popes’ Palace and the surrounding Alpilles mountains. At terrace level, a path bordered by cypress and blue iris crosses a field of ancient olive trees, passing by the remains of the 11^th and 12^th century  churches and of the cemetery dating to the 6th through 10th centuries, and climbing up to the Romanesque chapel of St. Casarie from the 12th century. The path then enters a Mediterranean style garden, more secluded and very atmospheric, with clumps of cistus and coronillas dripping from drystone walls. It is a garden where one can happily lose oneself, hoping to discover a forgotten treasure.