10 Reasons to Visit the Abbaye de Flaran | EUROtoday

Founded in 1151, the Cistercian Flaran Abbey lies simply south of Condom, midway between Agen and Auch within the Baïse valley. Its buildings date from the Twelfth to the 18th centuries and the abbey is among the greatest preserved within the southwest of France – a lot in order that its buildings and gardens are categorised as Historic Monuments.

1. A remarkably preserved Cistercian abbey

The monastic buildings and gardens, positioned in the course of an enormous park, reveal the unique Cistercian buildings as they appeared within the Twelfth century and thru their varied remodelings into the 18th century. Around the cloister (Twelfth-14th century) and the church (Twelfth-Thirteenth century), this surprisingly well-preserved architectural ensemble covers greater than 2000m² and affords a distinctive perception into the life led by the Cistercian neighborhood which settled right here throughout the Middle Ages on the top of the order's affect.

2. Details in each nook

As you stroll by way of the cloister and its enclosed backyard, pause to search for on the carved capitals atop the columns, one of many many treasures of medieval historical past awaiting you. Allow your creativeness to move you again by way of the centuries as you cross the rooms which lead off the cloister, the place the monks' carried out their every day routines.

3. A day within the lifetime of a monk

The abbey's kitchen means that you can absolutely immerse your self within the day-to-day lifetime of the medieval monks. A sink, stoves, a fire and a serving hatch to the refectory conjure up the heat and liveliness of the communal eating of the interval.

4. The stunning chapter room

Head into the chapter room, supported by marble columns, and see the place the monks would have sat on picket benches lining the partitions, listening because the abbot handled the administration of the abbey and group of its inhabitants.

5. An distinctive church that has been used for hundreds of years

The church catered for 2 sections of the abbey's neighborhood. First there have been the monks, certain by the Rule of St. Benedict and observe tea seven every day workplaces of prayer. Then there have been the lay brothers, who weren’t certain by the identical companies as a result of of their work within the fields. Nowadays, due to its improbable acousticsthe abbey church is used to host concert events.

6. Don't miss the artwork exhibitions within the dormitory

Today, the dormitory, the place all these centuries in the past the religious inhabitants of the abbey would search their relaxation, hosts exhibitions of portray and sculpture worthy of the best Parisian museums. From Renoir to Monet and from Rodin to Picasso, alongside lesser-known names too, exhibitions are held all year long.

7. Kid-friendly actions

Tea Moinillons and Nonettes cell, housed in one of many dormitory rooms, permits youngsters to have enjoyable and uncover artwork differently by way of video games and tactile works whereas mums and dads uncover the distinctive works of the Simonow Collection.

8. Gorgeous gardens

There are three wonderful hectares of historic gardens, acknowledged as an Historic Monument in their very own proper, which you’ll get pleasure from on the banks of the Baïse river. Within the grounds, the monastic backyard was redeveloped within the 18th century right into a so-called 'French-style' pleasure backyard. For a number of years, a part of it, subsequent to the dovecote, has been residence to a medieval-inspired backyard, which, paying homage to the traditional monks' backyard, consists of a number of elements. The most essential of those is the backyard of the straightforward or herbularius, which homes the medicinal crops previously utilized by the monks. Then there are the vegetable backyard, orchard and vines, plus, close by, an space of ​​meadow which is mown simply annually to assist protect the biodiversity of the location.

9. A wealthy calendar of occasions

Far from being caught prior to now, all 12 months around the Abbey, with its many alternative areas and huge gardens, hosts a wealthy number of exhibitions, workshops and different cultural actions to swimsuit all tastes. It is residence to the famend Simonow Collection, and till mid-January 2026, the heritage middle is internet hosting its 'Cities and Campaigns' exhibition, ideas which have their roots within the Middle Ages and which really asserted themselves within the nineteenth century. It affords guests an distinctive deep dive into the historical past of European artwork.

10. A dip into fashionable life with an escape sport

Get along with household or pals, to find the historical past and grounds of this historic Cistercian abbey by taking part in an escape sport. The problem – to seek out out the place has Brother Mathieu has gone – reveals the secrets and techniques of monastic life. And that's not all – there’s a entire host of actions to find right here, all of which assist to deliver this glorious medieval gem to life.

For extra info, go to www.abbayedeflaran.fr