Ménerbes
Saint Hilaire Abbey
Tourist service in Ménerbes :
Saint-Hilaire Abbey is a privately-owned historic monument facing Luberon. It is a former 13th-century Carmelite convent, which was part troglodyte. After five centuries of religious life, this ancient convent became a farm for two centuries, although there were no changes to the original structure of the building. Today, the Abbey is open to visitors for self-guided tours. Guided visits are available on request in French, English, and audio description.
The property has been privately owned since it was purchased in 1961 by René and Anne Marie Bride, who were originally from Reims. It was classified as a listed monument in 1975. To fully appreciate the Abbey, take the path that leads around the south of the building (follow the blue arrows - takes around 15 minutes). The view of the convent buildings, anchored in the spur of the fortified terraced walls, is really exceptional!
Worth seeing in the side chapel is a fresco from the fifteenth Century representing a remarkable Piedmont-style crucifixion. In the cloister there is a bell tower which houses a fifteenth-century spiral staircase, remarkable for the fineness of its steps. Finally, in the courtyard of the flat Cistercian style apse are the multiple holes (boulins) of a dovecote, one of the oldest in Provence.
Worth seeing in the side chapel is a fresco from the fifteenth Century representing a remarkable Piedmont-style crucifixion. In the cloister there is a bell tower which houses a fifteenth-century spiral staircase, remarkable for the fineness of its steps. Finally, in the courtyard of the flat Cistercian style apse are the multiple holes (boulins) of a dovecote, one of the oldest in Provence.
9
/10
Services
- Wi-fi
Dates and times
From 25/03 to 15/11/2024, daily between 10 am and 6 pm.
Languages spoken
- English
- French
Prices
Adult: 4 €.
Free entry for children < 18 years.
Contact
Saint Hilaire Abbey2950, route de Lacoste (D109)
84560 Ménerbes
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