
Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux
An active monastery in Provence offering spiritual retreats, Gregorian chant masses, and artisanal products crafted by monks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience moving Gregorian chants

Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux
Best Time
Experience moving Gregorian chants

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An active monastery in Provence offering spiritual retreats, Gregorian chant masses, and artisanal products crafted by monks.
"A beautiful, serene place that heals just by being there!"

Attend a Mass
Don't miss the chance to hear the monks' beautiful Gregorian chants during services. :musical_score:
Shop for Monastic Goods
The gift shop offers delicious bread, wine, and olive oil made by the monks. :bread:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gregorian Chant Masses
Experience the profound beauty of Latin masses sung by monks. A truly moving and spiritual encounter.

Monastic Products
Savor heavenly bread, fine wines, and rich olive oil made by the resident monks.

Majestic Mountain Setting
The abbey is nestled amidst breathtaking hills and mountains, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Monastic Life & Gifts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Attend a Mass
Don't miss the chance to hear the monks' beautiful Gregorian chants during services. :musical_score:
Shop for Monastic Goods
The gift shop offers delicious bread, wine, and olive oil made by the monks. :bread:
Respect the Silence
This is an active monastery; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:
Enjoy the Views
The abbey's setting is truly majestic, surrounded by stunning hills and mountains. :mountain_snow:
Tips
from all over the internet
Attend a Mass
Don't miss the chance to hear the monks' beautiful Gregorian chants during services. :musical_score:
Shop for Monastic Goods
The gift shop offers delicious bread, wine, and olive oil made by the monks. :bread:
Respect the Silence
This is an active monastery; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:
Enjoy the Views
The abbey's setting is truly majestic, surrounded by stunning hills and mountains. :mountain_snow:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the profound serenity and spiritual atmosphere of Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux, often highlighting the moving experience of Gregorian chant masses and the delicious monastic products. The majestic mountain setting adds to its appeal, making it a place of healing and deep peace for many.
"What a beautiful mass done in Latin and sung by the lovely monks! Fantastic gift shop with merchandise and food made by the monks. My coworkers loved their gifts!"
Patricia
"Beautiful moving visit. The abbey is stunning. The monks are very religious and pious. The services are very very touching. The store has a wonderful selection of products from the abbey and other abbeys in France. The bread is heavenly."
Harvey Mains
"Serene!! 90 monks live here in perfect harmony with their surroundings"
Jan Siderius
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The abbey is located in the Vaucluse region of Provence. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available. Public transport options are limited, so consider a rental car if you're exploring the region.
Public transport to the immediate vicinity of the abbey is scarce. It's best to check local bus schedules, but a car is highly recommended for ease of access and exploring the surrounding areas.
From Avignon, take the A7 motorway towards Lyon, then exit at Avignon Nord and follow signs for Carpentras and then Le Barroux. The drive offers scenic views of the Provençal countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the abbey church and grounds is generally free, as it is an active place of worship. However, donations are always appreciated to support the monastery's upkeep. Check their official website for any specific event ticketing.
The abbey is open to visitors, but it's crucial to check their official schedule as it revolves around the monks' prayer times and liturgical services. Visiting during Mass is a highlight for many.
Yes, the abbey offers spiritual retreats and accommodations for guests, particularly pilgrims. This experience is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper connection and quiet contemplation. Book well in advance.
No, the gift shop is open to all visitors and does not require an entrance fee. You can browse and purchase the monks' artisanal products freely.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is profoundly serene and spiritual. Visitors often describe it as a place of deep peace, harmony, and positive energy, perfect for reflection and prayer.
Absolutely! Attending Mass, especially those featuring Gregorian chants sung by the monks, is a highlight for many visitors. It's a deeply moving experience that immerses you in the abbey's spiritual life.
The shop offers a wonderful selection of artisanal goods made by the monks, including delicious bread, fine wines, olive oil, honey, and other regional specialties. They also carry items from other abbeys.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to be discreet and respectful. Generally, photography during services is discouraged, but you may be able to take photos of the architecture when services are not in session. Always observe signage and local customs.
Formal guided tours are not typically offered in the same way as a museum. The experience is more about personal reflection and attending services. However, the monks are known to be welcoming, especially to pilgrims.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the abbey's gift shop sells a variety of delicious products made by the monks, including bread, wine, and olive oil. These are excellent to purchase and enjoy during your visit or to take home.
The village of Le Barroux, located nearby, offers charming local restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Provençal cuisine. It's a short drive or a pleasant walk from the abbey.
While there aren't designated dining areas, you can certainly enjoy some of the purchased items, like bread or fruit, in the abbey's peaceful surroundings, provided you are respectful of the sacred space.
📸 📸 Photography
The abbey's architecture, the surrounding mountainous landscape, and the serene interiors offer numerous photographic opportunities. Capture the grandeur of the church and the peaceful courtyards.
Photography during religious services is generally not permitted out of respect. Always be mindful of the sacred nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography, especially of the monks.
You can capture stunning shots of the Romanesque architecture, panoramic views of the valley from the abbey's vantage points, and intimate details of the religious art and iconography within the church.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
🍷 Food & Wine Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Heart: Attending Mass
It's essential to check the abbey's schedule for Mass times, as these are the primary opportunities to witness this sacred practice. Arriving a little early allows you to find a quiet spot and absorb the sublime ambiance before the chanting begins. The silence and the resonant voices of the monks combine to create an unforgettable spiritual encounter that many visitors yearn to repeat.
Taste of the Monastery: Monastic Products
Beyond food and drink, the shop often features other handcrafted items, making them perfect souvenirs or gifts. Purchasing these products directly supports the monastery's mission and allows you to take a tangible piece of this serene place home with you. It's a wonderful way to extend the experience of your visit and share the blessings of the abbey with loved ones.
A Pilgrim's Perspective: Retreats and Stays
During a stay, guests might be invited to participate in daily life through tasks like working in the mailroom or assisting with physical labor, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The food, often prepared by the monks, is described as spectacular, complementing the serene environment and the spiritual focus of the retreat. This immersive experience allows visitors to truly connect with the monastic way of life.




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