Fontfroide Abbey, an architectural complex that dates back to the last millennium, shares its history with its visitors in southern France.
![Admirablement restauré, ce chef-d'œuvre architectural est lové dans une nature luxuriante. © Yann Monel Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire](/sites/default/files/styles/480x/public/edito_migrate/article/image/abbaye-de-fontfroide-bellesdemeures.jpg?itok=kCBgBab5)
Located 15 minutes from Narbonne, this gem from the Middle Ages can be found in the foothills of the Corbières. The majestic Fontfroide Abbey, now classified as a private monument, sweeps its visitors away on a journey through time. This historical destination in Occitanie offers a charming and inspiring atmosphere crafted by its old stones, peaceful gardens, and marvellous, open-air concerts.
Moving from one millennium to another in Fontfroide
Built in 1093, the abbey combines architectural prowess with nature in a perfect blend of both plants and the mineral world. Featuring a cloister, chapels, and stained glass windows, the abbey was built over the course of two hundred years, and the builders used a mixture of both Roman and Gothic styles. Fontfroide, which was originally a Benedictine, then a Cistercian abbey, looks like a castle. Even today, architects, artisans, and stone masons work tirelessly to maintain the abbey’s remarkable condition.
![Avec son dédale de cours et de jardins, comptez 2 heures pour visiter l'abbaye et ses dépendances. © Yann Monel <em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire](/sites/default/files/styles/480x/public/edito_migrate/paragraphs/images/abbaye-de-fontfroide-cour-belledemeures.jpg?itok=mLbtinRk)
![Prenez le temps de lire ou de méditer dans le cloître, le lieu est calme, inspirant et reposant. © Yann Monel <em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire](/sites/default/files/styles/480x/public/edito_migrate/paragraphs/images/abbaye-de-fontfroide-cloitre-bellesdemeures.jpg?itok=hmU5M0dd)
A thousand and one events year round
A full calendar of events takes place throughout the year to the delight of the abbey’s guests, who can learn more about the event and the location with help from a hand-held multimedia tablet. Thanks to theatrical tours provided by actors, conferences, treasure hunts, night-time tours with special sound and lighting effects, medieval-themed events, tours of private apartments, festivals, evening concerts, egg hunts, and plant festivals, visitors are constantly invited to embark on a wonderous journey.
![Au plafond de cette salle, les ogives dévoilent la complexité architecturale imposée aux bâtisseurs. © Yann Monel <em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire](/sites/default/files/styles/480x/public/edito_migrate/paragraphs/images/abbaye-de-fontfroide-salle-bellesdemeures.jpg?itok=UjGQY9NR)
![Grilles, portes et colonnes s'offrent beaucoup de détails agréables à l'œil. © Yann Monel <em>Modifier Article</em> Abbaye de Fontfroide, un ensemble architectural millénaire](/sites/default/files/styles/480x/public/edito_migrate/paragraphs/images/abbaye-de-fontfroide-details-bellesdemeures.jpg?itok=kQR9xw4s)
A secret and historical destination in southern France that is well worth a second look
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