Ménerbes

Saint Hilaire Abbey

Tourist service in Ménerbes :

Saint-Hilaire Abbey is a privately-owned historic monument facing Luberon. It is a former 13th-century Carmelite convent, which was part troglodyte. After five centuries of religious life, this ancient convent became a farm for two centuries, although there were no changes to the original structure of the building. Today, the Abbey is open to visitors for self-guided tours. Guided visits are available on request in French, English, and audio description.
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The property has been privately owned since it was purchased in 1961 by René and Anne Marie Bride, who were originally from Reims. It was classified as a listed monument in 1975. To fully appreciate the Abbey, take the path that leads around the south of the building (follow the blue arrows - takes around 15 minutes). The view of the convent buildings, anchored in the spur of the fortified terraced walls, is really exceptional!

Worth seeing in the side chapel is a fresco from the fifteenth Century representing a remarkable Piedmont-style crucifixion. In the cloister there is a bell tower which houses a fifteenth-century spiral staircase, remarkable for the fineness of its steps. Finally, in the courtyard of the flat Cistercian style apse are the multiple holes (boulins) of a dovecote, one of the oldest in Provence.

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Services

  • Wi-fi

Opening

From 25/03 to 15/11/2024, daily between 10 am and 6 pm.

Prices

Adult: 4 €.

Free entry for children < 18 years.

Languages spoken

  • English
  • French

Contact

Saint Hilaire Abbey
2950, route de Lacoste (D109)
84560 Ménerbes

Coordinates

Longitude: 5.246705
Latitude: 43.824993

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Location

Longitude: 5.246705

Latitude: 43.824993