Skip to content

Thoronet Abbey: all its secrets

Discover Thoronet Abbey (“Abbaye du Thoronet” in French), a jewel of Cistercian art dating from the 12th century, nestling in the heart of the Mediterranean forest in the Var. It's one of the favourites of the Provence Web editorial team! This architectural marvel, listed as a Historic Monument, offers a must-see experience with its exhibitions, concerts and remarkable acoustics. Immerse yourself in its fascinating history, from its foundation to its apparent architectural style. Plan your visit, check out the opening times and prices and let yourself be transported by the magic of this place.

Abbaye du Thoronet.

History: who founded Le Thoronet Abbey?

Founded by around twenty monks of the Cîteaux Order in 1160, the Abbey of Le Thoronet has a fascinating, rich and complex history. Established in Provence, then under the authority of Frederick I Barbarossa, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, this Cistercian abbey was completed around 1250.

It is the eldest of the three famous Cistercian abbeys in Provence, known as the "three Provençal sisters", along with Silvacane and Sénanque. After the French Revolution, the abbey was abandoned until it was restored in 1841.

The building was a source of inspiration for many twentieth-century architects, including Le Corbusier, who visited it in 1953.

Architecture Abbaye du Thoronet.

Cistercian architecture and apparent architectural style

What is the apparent architectural style of Le Thoronet abbey?

Le Thoronet Abbey is a perfect example of Cistercian architecture. Built according to the rule of Saint Benedict, it advocates sobriety and austerity. The majority of the abbey's construction is made of Thoronet stone, a local rock used for its strength and warm colour.

The abbey's architecture is characterised by rigorous geometry and simple volumes. The harmony of the whole is based on a subtle balance between stone and light, with openings carefully designed to capture the sunlight.

The abbey's architectural style is also characterised by the absence of superfluous ornamentation. The lines are pure, the shapes simple and the materials pared down. The only luxury lies in the perfection with which the materials are used.

The cloister and art exhibitions

You will be fascinated by the soothing atmosphere of the abbey's cloister. The cloister of Le Thoronet Abbey regularly hosts art exhibitions. These cultural events, organised by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, showcase the work of a variety of contemporary artists.

  • In 2023, for example, the "Fragments Divins" exhibition showcased the work of François Halard. It consisted of three installations of enlarged and reworked Polaroids, offering a new perspective on the abbey.

  • The following year, the exhibition "The Fabulous Cistercian Epic" retraced the history of the Cistercian order around the world.

Artists such as Anne and Patrick Poirier have also exhibited their work in this exceptional setting, exploring the themes of fragility and memory.

Cloitre de l'abbaye du Thoronet.

The art exhibitions add an extra dimension to a visit to the abbey, allowing visitors to discover contemporary works in a unique historical setting.

Map and address: where is Le Thoronet Abbey?

Le Thoronet Abbey is located in the commune of Le Thoronet, in the department of Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

To get there, the precise address is D 79, 83440 Le Thoronet. If you are using a GPS, please enter this address to obtain the most accurate route.

If you prefer public transport, several options are available. More detailed information on access and transport can be obtained by contacting the abbey on 04 94 60 43 90.

For those planning their visit from elsewhere, you can also use an online route planner.

Abbaye du Thoronet.

Times, prices and tickets for visiting the abbey

To plan your visit, please note that opening times vary according to the season. From April to September, the abbey is open from 10am to 6.30pm. Between October and March, opening times are 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Please note that last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.

Admission to the abbey is €9 for the full price. A reduced rate of €7.50 is available under certain conditions. Admission is free for under-26s.

Tickets can be purchased on site or booked in advance. Reservations are recommended for groups of more than 20 people. There are also special offers for groups.

Abbaye du Thoronet dans le Var.

Festival and concerts: the abbey's musical programme

Le Thoronet Abbey is renowned for its rich musical programme, which runs throughout the year. The “Musicales de l'Abbaye du Thoronet” festival is the flagship event, offering a variety of concerts from 6 July to 19 October.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2024 programme:

  • The Irini Ensemble will perform on 6 July.

  • On 18 July, there will be a screening of Gérard Corbiau's film Farinelli.

  • On 30 July, the Orchestre et Choeur de l'Opéra Royal de Versailles will give a concert conducted by Chloé de Guillebon.

There will also be some exceptional concerts as part of the "Les Voix de l'autre" event, such as the Voix Animées, featuring English and Spanish music on 26 August and 9 September.

Don't forget to visit the abbey's website for details of prices and booking conditions.

Fontaine dans l'abbaye.

See also our article on the pretty village of Le Thoronet, home to this magnificent abbey.

Find an accomodation

Hotels in Provence
Campsites in Provence
Holiday rentals in Provence
Bed & Breakfast in Provence

Provence departments

Alpes de Haute Provence
Alpes Maritimes / French Riviera
Bouches du Rhône
Drôme Provençale
Hautes Alpes
Var
Vaucluse

Exceptional tourist areas

Alpilles
Camargue
Luberon
Verdon