Abbey of Montmajour, Arles

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This abbey is very famous in the region. Very cool spot however Fritz!
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  Very nice description and tips Fritz!
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Located in a magnificent environment, the beautiful restoration ruins of the Montmajour Abbey is a grandiose visit.

Montmajour is composed by an ermitage (11th century), a medieval monastery (12th century), a watchtower (14th century) and a classic monastery (early 18th century).

My experience, Explo description:

Emerging from the countryside at the north-east of Arles, Montmajour, housed in the past a necropolis with a few ermites. On the 10th century, the Benedictine monks began to drain the swamps around and founded an Abbey which developed quickly.

On the 11th century, the counts of Provence were buried there. Thanks to donations and pilgrimages, the abbey sees its wealth quickly grow during the 14th century.

Then begins a period of insecurity, leading to the construction of defensive works: fortified enclosure, tower.

During the 17th century, the abbey encounter a period of moral decadence. Its revival is initiated in 1639 by the Benedictines of Saint-Maur who begin to construct new buildings.

At the French revolution, the Abbey became a "national wealth": dismembered and sold, it fall into ruins.

It was designated as an historic monument in 1840.

Built in 1030, the St Pierre chapel (partly troglodyte), is flanked oon its rocky side by the necropolis. Many cavities are directly dug into the rock. They hosted the bodies of the dead monks.

Have a look at the Medieval monastery, with the remain of the romanic church and its crypt.

Have a look at the grandiose ruins of the classic style ruins of the 17th century.

The tower, which was also a dungeon, was built in 1369. It is 30m high. By a staircase of 124 steps, you can access to the summit where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama on the surrounding countryside, from Arles to the Alpilles mountains and the Crau plain.

My personal recommendations:

Don't miss the cloister, one of the most beautiful of Provence! And above all, try to find on its walls the little historic drawings of old ships...

How getting there:

Montmajour is 5km from Fontvieille / Maussane and Arles.

A tip to eat:

There is a little restaurant at the car park.

Useful information:

Open hours:

-April-30 June, daily: 9.30am to 18pm.
-1st July to 30th September, daily, 10am to 18.30pm.
-1st October to 31st March, every day except Mondays, 10am to 17pm.

The gate closes 45 minutes before closing hour.

Closed: 1st January, 1st May 1st and 11th November, December 25th.

Visit duration:

1-2 hours.

Entry fees:

7 € full price.
Reduction if you are less than 25.

Contact:

Possibility of guided tour: Arles tourist office: Tel +(33) 04 90 18 41 22.

Access security:

During windy days (called Mistral) beware when you are at the top of the tower: the wind is very very strong!!

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