Le Thoronet Abbey

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210 pts.

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56 %

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2.8 / 5

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This is a very nice spot Clemence. This abbey is quite famous in the region, but still very interesting? I like the fact that we can visit it at night during summer.
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- Description
  
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  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Perfect desccription Clemence. Nice tips also!
- Plans & useful information
  
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  Yes, many useful information. Any plan to add?
- Pictures
  
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  Yes, 4 pics.
- Precise localization on map
  
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- 1 specific article for 1 specific spot
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Yes!
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This abbey is one of the best exemple of the Cistercian art: sobriety, purity of lines, ongoing quest for simplicity in architecture, a source of inspiration for generations of architects (Le Corbusier, John Pawson...).
The lessons Le Thoronet has to offer are lessons in life as well as architecture.

My experience, Explo description:

Le Thoronet abbey is one of the three Cistercian abbey of Provence (with its sisters Senanque & Silvacane).
Building began in 1160 to finish in 1230. It was then home to around 20 monks. 2 century later the abbey had already begun its decline, to be saved only in the 19h century when restoration work began with the State buying the site for the list of historics monuments.
The Cistercian is the order of the 12th century reacting against the display of power, glory and wealth of the Clunisian order.
You can nowadays visit the church & cloister, the dormitory, the chapter house, the lavatorium, the cellar.

The church and cloister built in dry stone (laid without mortar), fine example of high romanesque architecture in Provence. The absence of any decoration highlights the purity of the shapes and gives an air of of unity and great serenity.

If you are a singer or with a singer do not hesitate, in the church there is an exceptional acoustic (2nd after the Taj Mahal). To try it go in the first chapel of the right side of the choir. just unique!

My personal recommendations:

In summer (july and august) they organise nocturnal walking around the abbey.
Best to go early morning or late afternoon.

To read: Les Pierres Sauvages from Fernand Pouillon

How getting there:

motorway A8, exit 13 (Le Cannet des Maures), road D17 to Le Thoronet

A tip to eat:

there is a small sandwich place at the car park

Useful information:

Open hours:

1st april - 30 septembre : 9am to 7pm
1st octobre - 31 march: 10am/1pm - 2pm/5pm

closed: 1 january/1 may/ 1 & 11 novembre/25 decembre

Visit duration: