At the gates of the Camargue natural park, a few kilometers from the historic center of the city of Arles, is found the Benedictine abbey of Montmajour, a treasure of history and architecture in the heart of Provence.
Emblematic monument of the Provencal landscape, place of inspiration for Van Gogh, the abbey of Montmajour was founded in 948 A.D. by Benedictine monks. Anchored in the Provencal landscape, the monument religious then military has an exceptional architecture testifying of an 8 century history.
It became in the 10th century one of the richest abbeys of Provence, its apogee will be between the 10th century and the early 18th. Severely hit during the revolution, it was abandoned at the very end of the 18th century and became classified Historical Monument in 1840.
The buildings which compose the abbey show varied eras and architectures. For instance, there is an Ermitage represented mostly by the Saint-Pierre Chapel from the 11th century, the oldest building of the monument. The abbey includes also a medieval-type convent, the Saint Pierre monastery and the Chapelle Sainte Croix from the 12th and 13th century, the chapel, unique in Provence has a clover-shaped plan . The defensive keep, also called the tower of Abbe Pons de l’Orme, dating from the 14th century and of a classical period monastery, the Saint Maur Monastery dating from the beginning of the 18th century.
It is a guided visit of this architectural jewel of the Provencal heritage that we offer this week. With a specialized guide you will discover this impressive abbey which overlooks the surrounding landscape. From Montmajour you will enjoy a panoramic view of the landscapes of the Alpilles as well as of the Crau plain. The highlight of the visit will be without a doubt the visit of the Saint Pierre Ermitage, this superb, semi-troglodyte chapel carved in the rock, on the south flank of the Montmajour hill. With your guide you will travel in time during a visit of this unique site in Provence
Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence offers you to stay in a vacation rental in the Alpilles to discover the abbey of Montmajour
If you want to discover this magnificent Provencal treasure, we invite you to contact us by clicking on this link
