Abbaye Saint-Martin du Canigou
A 1000-year-old mountaintop abbey offering stunning views, serene cloisters, and a grounding spiritual atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Abbaye Saint-Martin du Canigou
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1000-year-old mountaintop abbey offering stunning views, serene cloisters, and a grounding spiritual atmosphere.
"This place is out of routine time/space. So grounding."
👟 Hike or Ride Up
The walk up is steep but rewarding. Opt for a 4x4 if needed. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Tickets at Gift Shop
Purchase your abbey entry ticket at the gift shop. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abbey Cloisters
Abbey Interior
Explore the serene, ancient cloisters of this 11th-century mountaintop sanctuary.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Viewing Point
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Pyrenees-Orientales from this spectacular vantage point.
Beatitude Community Life
Abbey Grounds
Experience the unique, grounding atmosphere of this still-functioning spiritual community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Ascent to Serenity
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
1000 Year Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou in Pyrenees-Orientales, France | Day 1 of Tour du Canigou Trail
👟 Hike or Ride Up
The walk up is steep but rewarding. Opt for a 4x4 if needed. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Tickets at Gift Shop
Purchase your abbey entry ticket at the gift shop. :admission_tickets:
🗣️ Multilingual Tours
Guided tours are available in French and other languages. :globewithmeridians:
📸 Photogenic Spot
Plenty of opportunities for stunning photos throughout the abbey. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Hike or Ride Up
The walk up is steep but rewarding. Opt for a 4x4 if needed. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Tickets at Gift Shop
Purchase your abbey entry ticket at the gift shop. :admission_tickets:
🗣️ Multilingual Tours
Guided tours are available in French and other languages. :globewithmeridians:
📸 Photogenic Spot
Plenty of opportunities for stunning photos throughout the abbey. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Spot Available
Enjoy packed lunches with a view outside the gift shop. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Abbaye Saint-Martin du Canigou for its stunning historical architecture, serene atmosphere, and breathtaking panoramic views. The challenging but rewarding hike up is a common talking point, as is the option for a 4x4 ride. While the main tours are in French, English guides are often available, and the overall experience is described as deeply grounding and photogenic. Some find the steepness of the path a struggle, and tour times can be limited.
"A fantastic place to visit filled with amazing views and history. We parked in Parking Abbaye Avall, which was free and also had toilets. The track is very good, mostly concrete and about half of it is shaded. It was quite hot on the day we visited in August and we stopped a few times for a brief rest and a drink. We saw lots of small lizards on the way! The walk up took us about 35 minutes. It was steep but if you are reasonably healthy you should be fine - we saw people pushing children up the track in push chairs! You can always book a 4x4 vehicle pick up if needed. You buy a ticket at the gift shop and that is the only way to get inside the Abbey. The nun who served us spoke good English and the gift shop had some lovely items, many locally made. The tour of the Abbey was in French but we had a guide in English and it’s available in several other languages. The Abbey was beautiful and there was ample opportunity to explore and take photos during the guided tour. Afterwards we walked to the viewing point, which is clearly marked on the way back to the gift shop. That only took about 5 minutes and the view was spectacular. Outside the gift shop is an area where people can eat packed lunches and there is a clean, reasonably sized toilet block too. This was the highlight of our trip and definitely a place to visit if you are in the area."
Purple Armadillo
"Amazing Abbey tour but all in French. You can hike up or take an exhilarating Jeep ride up."
Stacy heatwole
"One of the most charming Abbaye in France. Still functioning yet it can be visited. This place is out of routine time/space. So grounding."
Jean Philippe Pignol
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The abbey is accessed via a hike from the parking area. The path is well-maintained, mostly concrete, and about half shaded. It takes approximately 35 minutes to walk up. For those who prefer not to hike, a 4x4 vehicle pickup service is available. Parking at Parking Abbaye Avall is free and includes toilets.
Yes, free parking is available at Parking Abbaye Avall, which also has toilet facilities.
No, you cannot drive directly to the abbey. Access is either by foot via a steep but well-maintained path or by a 4x4 vehicle pickup service.
The walk up is described as steep but on a good, solid pathway, mostly concrete and partially shaded. It's manageable for most, with some visitors even seen pushing strollers.
Yes, there are clean and reasonably sized toilet blocks located outside the gift shop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the abbey tour must be purchased at the gift shop located near the parking area. This is the only way to gain entry to the abbey itself.
The abbey has limited tour times, so it's advisable to check in advance or arrive early to ensure you can join a guided tour.
Yes, there is an entrance fee which is paid at the gift shop when purchasing your ticket.
While the abbey is beautiful and photogenic, guided tours are the primary way to experience its interior and history. Ample opportunity to explore and take photos is provided during the tour.
Information on discounts is not readily available, but it's always worth inquiring at the gift shop when purchasing your tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the historic abbey, including its beautiful cloisters, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views from a marked viewing point. The site offers a grounding spiritual atmosphere and photo opportunities.
Yes, while the main abbey tour is in French, an English guide is often available, and tours can be provided in several other languages.
The walk up is steep, but manageable for most. The abbey itself is historically interesting and offers beautiful views. Families can enjoy the experience, especially with the option of a 4x4 ride.
Yes, there are ample opportunities to explore and take photos during the guided tour. The abbey is described as very photogenic.
Founded in the 11th century, this mountaintop abbey is historically important and still functioning, offering a unique sense of peace and connection to the past. It's also noted for its connection to trails used during historical events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at the abbey. However, there is an area outside the gift shop where visitors can eat packed lunches.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring packed lunches and enjoy them in the designated area outside the gift shop.
The gift shop offers a selection of lovely items, many of which are locally made.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as dining options are limited to packed lunches. The opportunity to see local wildlife like lizards on the walk up can also be a fun element for kids. The overall experience is described as a highlight for many, making it a worthwhile family outing if planned with these factors in mind.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the serene mountain setting and the opportunity to connect with a historic spiritual site. The historical context of the area, including its use as a refuge, adds another layer of interest to the landscape. The well-preserved abbey and its cloisters offer a glimpse into centuries of history amidst stunning natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Abbey
Parking is conveniently located at Parking Abbaye Avall, which is free and equipped with toilets. This practical amenity is appreciated by visitors, especially after the walk or ride. The decision between hiking and the 4x4 often depends on personal fitness levels and the desire for a more immersive experience versus a quicker arrival. Regardless of the chosen method, the journey contributes to the sense of arriving at a special, secluded destination.
Experiencing the Abbey's Atmosphere
Guided tours are the primary way to explore the abbey's interior, including its beautiful cloisters. While the main tours are conducted in French, English guides are often available, and the abbey can accommodate other languages. This ensures that visitors can still appreciate the history and significance of the site. The abbey is also noted for being highly photogenic, with ample opportunities to capture its architectural beauty and serene surroundings.
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