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Montmajour Abbey

4.6
·2k reviews·Arles, France

Explore the grand ruins of a fortified medieval abbey, offering panoramic views and a journey into Provence's rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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la Tour vue du cloître

Montmajour Abbey

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the grand ruins of a fortified medieval abbey, offering panoramic views and a journey into Provence's rich history.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Magical and spiritual, a great starting point to discover the history of Provence."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗣️ English Information Available

Don't worry if you don't speak French; tour leaflets and exhibit labels often have English translations.

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be exploring ruins and climbing towers, so wear comfortable shoes for a better experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Tower Views

Panoramic Tower Views

Top of the tower

Climb the tower for breathtaking, unforgettable views of the surrounding Provençal countryside.

Reddit
12th-Century Crypt

12th-Century Crypt

Crypt

Explore the ancient 12th-century crypt, a fascinating glimpse into the abbey's deep historical roots.

Reddit
Impressive Medieval Architecture

Impressive Medieval Architecture

Abbey grounds

Wander through powerful towers, massive walls, and ancient buildings of this well-maintained medieval caste.

Reddit
Spiritual and Magical Atmosphere

Spiritual and Magical Atmosphere

Chapel and grounds

Experience the magical and spiritual ambiance of this former island abbey, a truly unique setting.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Plan Your Journey

Accessing Montmajour Abbey requires a bit of planning, especially if relying on public transport. Buses are available from Arles, but schedules can be infrequent. Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like Les Baux-de-Provence for a more efficient itinerary. Reddit

Free Entry for Under 18s

A fantastic perk for families! Visitors under 18 often enjoy free admission, making Montmajour Abbey an accessible and educational outing for younger travelers. Check current policies before your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

…and in ten minutes you’re about to have the best pain au chocolat of your life 📍abbaye des vaux de cernay (no, this hasn’t been edited, it really is just that pretty) #paris #france #travel
@taswaim27
290.4K likes • 1.2M views

🗣️ English Information Available

Don't worry if you don't speak French; tour leaflets and exhibit labels often have English translations. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be exploring ruins and climbing towers, so wear comfortable shoes for a better experience. Reddit

Montmajour Abbey #bouchesdurhone #arles #gameofthrones #provence #paca #regionsud #provencealpescotedazur #provencetourisme #monastere #roman #church #monastery #ruins #musee #museum #architecture #medieval #hermit #montmajour #pacatourisme #arlestourisme #france #french #français #hermitage #abbayemontmajour #abbey #abbaye #abbayedemontmajour #village
mikaelsilf
26 likes • 678 views
📍Abbaye de Montmajour @abbayedemontmajour @visitsouthoffrance . . . . #abbaye #montmajour #abbey #culture #patrimoine #patrimoinefrancais #francetourisme #france #france4dreams #instatravel #travelphotography #travel #provence #paysage #provencetourisme #provencefrance #temple #frenchculture #france_focus_on #france_vacations #igersfrance #francephoto #church #history #historia #historical #arl...
myriam.to.honolulu
29 likes • 396 views

Combine with Nearby Sites

Consider visiting Montmajour Abbey alongside Les Baux-de-Provence for a fuller day trip. Reddit

Free Entry for Under 18s

Take advantage of free admission for children and teenagers to make it a budget-friendly family outing. Reddit

The Abbey of Montmajour @abbayedemontmajour 5km away from Arles in the south of France. #patrimoine #montmajour #historic #heritage #medieval #romanesque #middleages #pilgrim #pilgrimage #medievalarchitecture #arthistory #historyofart #ancientplaces #oldbuilding #oldbuildings #monastery #historicalarchitecture #monastery #architecture #stonecarving
englishpilgrim
3.2K likes • 44.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗣️ English Information Available

Don't worry if you don't speak French; tour leaflets and exhibit labels often have English translations. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be exploring ruins and climbing towers, so wear comfortable shoes for a better experience. Reddit

Combine with Nearby Sites

Consider visiting Montmajour Abbey alongside Les Baux-de-Provence for a fuller day trip. Reddit

Free Entry for Under 18s

Take advantage of free admission for children and teenagers to make it a budget-friendly family outing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Montmajour Abbey for its impressive medieval architecture, stunning panoramic views from the tower, and the fascinating historical insights it offers. The well-maintained grounds and the spiritual atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note that while English information is available, it's not exhaustive, and accessibility can be a concern due to the historic nature of the site.

"Visited today with my daughter who was under 18, so she got free entry!

The staff are wonderful and very friendly. I'm not french and they explained everything perfectly! Even have the tour leaflet in English, also alot of the exhibits have some English at the bottom.

We went almost there hours walking around and had an amazing time!!

Very clean and well maintained, lots to see

Highly recommend for everyone to visit"

Thomas Adams

"Very impressing medieval caste with powerful towers and massive walls. It’s a engaging journey into history. There are many corridors, halls and ancient buildings which may well impress. I think it’s well maintained."

Kirill Maksimkin

"Very peaceful, beautiful views."

Aleksandra

What People Like

Impressive medieval architecture
Panoramic tower views
Peaceful and spiritual atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited accessibility
Infrequent public transport

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Public transport options include bus line 702 from Arles, which stops at the Abbey. Reddit For a more direct route or if traveling from other nearby towns, consider a taxi or ride-sharing service. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the region. Reddit

Yes, it's feasible. Bus line 707 can connect Montmajour Abbey to Les Baux-de-Provence. Reddit Planning your transport connections in advance is key to maximizing your time. Reddit

Driving is a convenient option. The Abbey has parking facilities available for visitors. The drive from Arles is relatively short and straightforward. Reddit

While direct shuttle services might be limited, local bus lines connect Arles to the Abbey. Reddit It's advisable to check the latest bus schedules as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

Walking is possible but quite a distance, approximately 5-6 kilometers (3-4 miles) one way. It's a scenic route but may not be practical for all visitors, especially in warmer weather. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply, but visitors under 18 often receive free entry. Reddit It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any special offers or discounts. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the official ticketing portal for availability and options. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on the season. Typically, the Abbey is open daily, but it's crucial to verify the current schedule on their official website before your visit. Reddit

Guided tours may be offered, providing deeper insights into the history and architecture. Information on tour availability and booking can usually be found on the Abbey's official website. Reddit

Accessibility can be challenging due to the historic nature of the site, with uneven terrain and stairs. Some areas may be difficult to access. It's recommended to contact the Abbey directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the impressive medieval architecture, climb the tower for panoramic views, visit the 12th-century crypt, and wander through the ancient buildings and corridors. Reddit The site offers a journey into history and a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the abbey and its grounds. Reddit If you plan to climb the tower and thoroughly explore each section, you might want to allocate a bit more time. Reddit

Restroom facilities are generally available. While there might not be a full-service cafe, there could be vending machines or a small shop selling refreshments. Reddit It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but check for any specific restrictions in certain areas, like the crypt or during special exhibitions. Reddit

Montmajour Abbey is a significant historical site, built over an ancient Roman necropolis. It was a powerful medieval abbey and offers insights into the history of Provence and monastic life. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views from the top of the tower are a must-capture. Reddit The abbey's imposing architecture, ancient crypt, and the chapel also offer excellent photographic opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and cultural sites to preserve the atmosphere and protect the structures. Always check local regulations and the Abbey's specific policies before flying a drone. Reddit

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light that enhances the stone architecture. Reddit Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer people, allowing for more unobstructed shots. Reddit

While general photography is usually allowed, flash photography might be prohibited in certain sensitive areas like the crypt to protect ancient artifacts. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the tower views and interior spaces. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Montmajour Abbey offers an engaging historical adventure for families. The free entry for visitors under 18 makes it a budget-friendly outing. Reddit Kids can enjoy exploring the 'castle-like' ruins, imagining life in medieval times, and climbing the tower for exciting views. The sheer scale of the architecture and the ancient crypt can spark their imagination. Reddit

Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover and stairs to climb. Pack water and snacks, as facilities might be limited. The English translations available for leaflets and exhibits will also help keep younger visitors engaged and informed. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Montmajour Abbey is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers. The significant perk of free admission for those under 18 drastically cuts down costs for families. Reddit While there's an entry fee for adults, the historical richness and expansive site offer great value for the price. Reddit

To save further, consider utilizing public transport like bus line 702 from Arles if schedules align with your plans. Reddit Packing your own lunch and water is also a smart way to manage expenses, as on-site dining options might be limited or pricier. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through History: The Abbey's Past

Montmajour Abbey is more than just ruins; it's a layered historical site with origins dating back to an ancient Roman necropolis. The abbey itself rose to prominence in the medieval period, becoming a significant monastic center in Provence. Its fortified architecture speaks to a time of both spiritual devotion and defensive needs. Reddit

Visitors can explore the remnants of its grand past, from the imposing towers and massive walls to the intricate details within the 12th-century crypt. The site has undergone improvements by a foundation, leading to better preservation and renovation of buildings, making the historical narrative more accessible. Reddit

Walking through Montmajour is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to the monks who once inhabited this island sanctuary. The spiritual and magical atmosphere is palpable, making it a profound experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Reddit

Navigating Montmajour: Transport and Accessibility

Reaching Montmajour Abbey requires some logistical planning, particularly for those relying on public transport. Bus line 702 from Arles is a primary option, though schedules should be verified as they can be infrequent. Reddit Many visitors find it convenient to combine a trip to the Abbey with nearby attractions like the Château des Baux-de-Provence, with bus line 707 potentially connecting these sites. Reddit

For those with a car, driving offers the most straightforward access, with parking available on-site. The journey from Arles is short and generally easy. However, the historic nature of the abbey means accessibility can be a challenge. Uneven terrain, stairs, and the general layout of ruins may pose difficulties for visitors with mobility issues. Reddit

It's always recommended to contact the Abbey directly for the most up-to-date information on transport schedules and specific accessibility details before your visit. Reddit

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