
Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet
A serene 1100s Gothic abbey rebuilt in the 20th century, offering stunning architecture, unique art, and a peaceful escape off the beaten path.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guided tours available

Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet
Best Time
Guided tours available

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 1100s Gothic abbey rebuilt in the 20th century, offering stunning architecture, unique art, and a peaceful escape off the beaten path.
"This beautiful Abby is set off the beaten path, and if our host hadn’t of recommended it, we would’ve missed it. We are super glad that she mentioned it.
"
📸 Photo Magic Inside
Take photos of the ceiling panels; they appear dark visually but reveal incredible detail on camera. :iphone:
🗣️ French Tour Alert
Guided tours are in French and last 2 hours. Be prepared if you don't speak the language.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Abbey Interior
Main Abbey Church
A stunning display of 1100s Gothic architecture, rebuilt in the 20th century, with intricate details and side chapels.

Chapel of Joseph's Life
Side Chapel
Discover unique panels near the ceiling depicting scenes from Joseph's life, which truly come alive when photographed.

Reliquary Collection
Designated area
Explore an extensive collection of over 30 relics, with a guidebook to identify each saint represented.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunday Visits & Guided Tours
Off the Beaten Path Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Magic Inside
Take photos of the ceiling panels; they appear dark visually but reveal incredible detail on camera.
:iphone:🗣️ French Tour Alert
Guided tours are in French and last 2 hours. Be prepared if you don't speak the language.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Free, ample parking is available just across the street in a large gravel lot.
🚶♀️ Grounds for a Stroll
The extensive grounds offer a lovely walk, though some areas could use a bit more upkeep.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Magic Inside
Take photos of the ceiling panels; they appear dark visually but reveal incredible detail on camera.
:iphone:🗣️ French Tour Alert
Guided tours are in French and last 2 hours. Be prepared if you don't speak the language.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Free, ample parking is available just across the street in a large gravel lot.
🚶♀️ Grounds for a Stroll
The extensive grounds offer a lovely walk, though some areas could use a bit more upkeep.
☕ Cafe Break
A lovely little cafe is available for refreshments, with friendly and helpful staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet for its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and unique artistic details, especially the Joseph's Life panels which are best viewed through photos. The free parking and lack of admission fee are significant draws, though the French-only guided tours and the restaurant's upstairs location are noted considerations.
"This beautiful Abby is set off the beaten path, and if our host hadn’t of recommended it, we would’ve missed it. We are super glad that she mentioned it.
The places, large, peaceful, and very ordinately decorated inside. The side chapels are gorgeous, and the one of Joseph’s life is particularly interesting. I highly recommend taking photos with your camera of the different panels near the ceiling. The reason is that when you look at them visually they’re rather dark and aged. However, they come alive when you take a photo of them. It was also pretty cool to see Joseph get some recognition, which is something we had not seen much of before.
The relocate is very extensive with over 30 different items in it. There is a guidebook for it which list all of the Saints, which are represented by the relics. The restrooms were clean and easy to access. There is a restaurant which is more of a sit down place rather than a take away. There are stairs you have to climb to get to it so be aware. Parking is free and easy just across the street in a large gravel lot. There was no admission fee and with such a beautiful place, we can’t help but recommend it!"
Mark Bray
"This place is beautiful and peaceful, lovely little cafe, really lovely and helpful staff, the grounds are a great walk, the churches are beautiful. A stunning location"
Graham Reynolds
"We visited the Frigolet Abbey on 21/06/25
This was our second visit to the Abbey in a few years .
I’d like to say that there is ample parking around the Abbey , it’s not a tarmaced surface the area it’s just a rough stone area .
Once inside the grounds of the Abbey there’s lots of interesting facts posted around the whole area . These made for an interesting read . The grounds inside the Abbey could do with a bit of Tlc now .
Now onto the Abbey it’s self, it is absolutely blooming stunning it blows me away with the details on the outside and of course the inside is where the true beauty lies .
It’s an absolute must you should visit Frigolet Abbey if you’re staying in the provance area ."
Mick K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The abbey is located off the beaten path, making it best accessed by car. There is ample, free parking available in a large gravel lot just across the street.
Public transport options are limited, so driving is highly recommended for ease of access.Yes, it makes for a wonderful day trip, especially if you're exploring the Provence region. You can combine a visit to the abbey with exploring nearby towns or enjoying the scenic countryside.
The abbey is primarily open to the public on Sundays. Guided tours are available on Sundays at 3:00 PM.
It's advisable to check for any seasonal variations or special event closures.While the main abbey church and specific areas might be tied to tour times, the surrounding grounds are generally accessible for a peaceful walk.
However, access to the interior may be restricted outside of scheduled visiting hours.There is no admission fee to enter the abbey or its grounds, making it a very accessible attraction.
Guided tours may have a small fee, typically around 8 euros.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Advance booking is generally not required for general visits, as there's no admission fee. However, for the guided tours offered on Sundays, it's wise to arrive a bit early to secure your spot, as they may have limited capacity.
The guided tours, which are conducted in French, typically cost around 8 euros per person.
This is a small price for an in-depth exploration of the abbey's history and architecture.The restaurant is located upstairs and requires climbing stairs, so it may not be accessible for everyone.
While the main areas are generally navigable, some older structures might present challenges. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility needs if required.Photography is permitted inside the abbey, and visitors are encouraged to take photos of certain artistic elements, like the panels depicting Joseph's life, as they appear much clearer in pictures.
The abbey provides clean and easily accessible restrooms for visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the stunning 1100s Gothic interior, admire the side chapels (including the unique Chapel of Joseph's Life), and view an extensive reliquary collection. The grounds also offer a peaceful setting for a walk.
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that offers a sit-down dining experience. There's also a lovely little cafe for refreshments and gifts.
The abbey is described as a large, peaceful, and ordinately decorated place. It offers a serene escape and a chance to appreciate historical and religious art.
Interesting facts and historical information are posted around the abbey grounds, making for an engaging read.
A guidebook is also available for the reliquary collection.For the panels near the ceiling, especially those depicting Joseph's life, it's highly recommended to take photos. They appear dark visually but come alive with detail when captured by a camera.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The abbey features a restaurant for sit-down meals and a charming cafe for refreshments and gifts.
The cafe is noted for its lovely atmosphere and helpful staff.While the restaurant offers a sit-down experience, be aware that it is located upstairs and requires climbing stairs, which might be a consideration for families with very young children or those with mobility issues.
Yes, there is a shop where you can purchase refreshments and gifts, making it a good place to pick up a memento of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior of the abbey, particularly the side chapels and the detailed panels near the ceiling, offers excellent photographic opportunities. The exterior architecture is also quite striking.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the abbey. However, it's always a good practice to be respectful of the sacred space and other visitors.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, especially for the ceiling panels. Many visitors find that their phone cameras capture these details surprisingly well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the visual aspects of the abbey, like the colorful panels (especially when photographed) and the impressive scale of the building. The reliquary collection might be less engaging for very young kids, but older children might find the stories behind the saints interesting with a bit of explanation.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with exploring nearby villages or enjoying the scenic countryside. The abbey's serene atmosphere and unique artistic elements, like the Joseph panels, make it a memorable stop. Just be aware of the Sunday-centric visiting hours and the French-only guided tours if you're planning your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Abbey's History and Architecture
Key architectural features include the main abbey church and several side chapels, each with its own unique character. The Chapel of Joseph's Life is a particular highlight, featuring panels near the ceiling that are best appreciated through photography, as they reveal their intricate details when captured on camera. The extensive reliquary collection, housing over 30 items, further adds to the historical and spiritual significance of the site.
While the abbey is a place of historical importance, it's also a living religious community. Visitors often comment on the peaceful ambiance and the opportunity to connect with a sense of history and spirituality. The grounds themselves, though some parts may show signs of age, provide a pleasant space for reflection and a gentle walk.
Tips for a Meaningful Visit
Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the art inside. The panels depicting Joseph's life are a unique feature; bring your camera, as the details are far more vivid in photographs than they appear to the naked eye. The reliquary collection is also extensive, and a guidebook can enhance your understanding of the saints represented.
Beyond the main church, take time to explore the grounds. While some areas might benefit from a bit more attention, they offer a tranquil setting for a stroll. The on-site cafe provides a pleasant spot for a break, and the staff are noted for being friendly and helpful. Remember that parking is free and convenient, making access straightforward.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit