Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux
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Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux

4.7
·712 reviews·Le Barroux, France

An active monastery in Provence offering spiritual retreats, Gregorian chant masses, and artisanal products crafted by monks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily during Mass times

Experience moving Gregorian chants

CrowdMedium
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Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux

Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux

Best Time

Daily during Mass times

Experience moving Gregorian chants

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An active monastery in Provence offering spiritual retreats, Gregorian chant masses, and artisanal products crafted by monks.

4.7
(712 reviews)

"A beautiful, serene place that heals just by being there!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gregorian Chant Masses

Gregorian Chant Masses

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

Monastic Products

Monastic Products

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

Majestic Mountain Setting

Majestic Mountain Setting

The abbey is nestled amidst breathtaking hills and mountains, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

This active monastery offers a unique spiritual retreat. Visitors often praise the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to attend Gregorian chant masses. Plan your visit around service times for the most moving experience.

Monastic Life & Gifts

Discover products crafted by the monks, from heavenly bread to exquisite wines and olive oil. The gift shop is a treasure trove for unique souvenirs and delicious treats, perfect for sharing the abbey's essence with others.

Best Times

When
Daily during Mass times
Why
Experience moving Gregorian chants
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter for reflection
Crowd
Low

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

4.7
(712 reviews)

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

Serene and spiritual atmosphere
Moving Gregorian chant masses
Delicious monastic products

What People Dislike

Limited public transport access

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

While Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux is primarily a place of quiet contemplation, families can still find value in a visit. The stunning natural setting offers a chance for children to appreciate the beauty of the Provençal landscape. Attending a Mass, even for a short while, can be a unique cultural and spiritual experience, introducing them to Gregorian chants. The gift shop with its bread and other treats can also be a hit with younger visitors. Remember to emphasize the importance of quiet behavior to maintain the serene atmosphere.

🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims

This abbey is a haven for those on a spiritual journey. The opportunity to attend daily Masses, participate in retreats, and experience the profound silence is unparalleled. Many visitors come specifically for the chance to connect with their faith in such a peaceful and devout environment. The welcoming nature of the monks, especially towards pilgrims, adds to the profound sense of community and spiritual support.

🍷 Food & Wine Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate artisanal products, the abbey's shop is a must-visit. The monks' dedication to producing high-quality olive oil and wine is evident in their exceptional taste. Sampling these products, or purchasing them to enjoy later, offers a unique culinary experience rooted in tradition and monastic craftsmanship. It's a chance to savor the flavors of Provence with a special, spiritual origin.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spiritual Heart: Attending Mass

A visit to Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux is incomplete without experiencing a Mass. The monks are renowned for their beautiful Gregorian chants, sung in Latin, which create a profoundly moving and spiritual atmosphere. These services are not just performances but integral parts of the monastic community's daily life. Visitors often describe the experience as deeply touching and a true step back in time, offering a unique glimpse into ancient liturgical traditions.

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

The gift shop at Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux is a delightful place to discover artisanal products crafted with care by the resident monks. These items are not only delicious but also carry the essence of the monastic life and its dedication to quality and tradition. Visitors frequently rave about the 'heavenly' bread, the rich olive oil, and the exquisite wines produced on the abbey's grounds.

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

For those seeking a deeper immersion, the abbey offers opportunities for overnight stays and spiritual retreats. This is particularly appealing to pilgrims or anyone looking for a period of quiet contemplation and spiritual renewal. Guests often find the accommodations to be comfortable and the monastic hospitality exceptionally kind and welcoming, especially for those who have undertaken a pilgrimage.

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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