A day at Fontfroide Abbey
Exploring Fontfroide, the Massif, and the Abbey is a timeless experience. A journey through 1,000 years of history. Recharge your batteries in pristine, natural surroundings. Enjoy the weather on a spring day. The charm and magnificence of Fontfroide makes an impact.
For your safety
As access to certain massifs may be prohibited during the period from mid-June to mid-September, don't hesitate to consult this link or this one (information only in french)!
As part of the fight against wildfire, the Fontfroide and La Clape massifs are closed to the public until 15/09/2023!
A jewel of Cistercian art in the Corbières
For a weekend of love, sunshine and blue skies, head for Fontfroide Abbey. Surrounded by vineyards, this sumptuous building is set among lush greenery. Once inside, time seems to stand still... Olivia, our passionate, fascinating guide, leads us into an authentic, serene and spiritual atmosphere. This 1,000-year-old Cistercian masterpiece has lost none of its soul!
Practical information
Getting to Fontfroide: There is no public transportation to the Abbey, so please plan ahead!
My friend the rose
The terraced gardens are dotted with statues here and there. They invite us to embrace the calm, meditative atmosphere. It’s a magnificent walk with a lovely view of the Abbey and the surrounding Massif. Sweet, fragrant roses in many colours, stand out against the green of nature. It’s a bucolic sight! Photos are mandatory!
The rose garden
With 2,500 rosebushes and 16 colours, the rose garden was planted at the beginning of the 20th century on what was once a vegetable garden and the former monks' cemetery!
The ideal time: The roses bloom between May and September.
Mediterranean flavours and delicacies
The sun is at its zenith, and it is time to settle down on the shady terrace of La Table de Fontfroide. A gourmet restaurant featuring Mediterranean flavours and colours in a superb setting. The local products and wines of Fontfroide are a true treat for the taste buds!
Scent of the garrigue
Now replete and carrying our backpacks, we venture out along the path behind the Abbey: towards the Fontfroide cross! It’s a 30-minute walk through perfumed scrubland. The birds are chirping and the bees are buzzing: pure happiness in contact with nature!
Practical advice
There is no water or shade on the way, so take care when the weather is hot. Leave early in the morning, wear a sun hat and carry enough water.
It is a one-hour round trip, with a slight climb, but the views make it worth it!
On top of the Corbières
Wow! The view from the cross on top of the Massif is breathtaking! Down below, the majestic Abbey and in front of us, facing the wind, the green valleys of the Corbières! As we gaze at the horizon we are filled with a feeling of freedom and absolute tranquillity.
White, red, rosé and conviviality
A wine tasting session with sommelier Philippe is the perfect end to an idyllic day. The scent of the bouquets, the taste of the aromas, the colourful robes... All our senses are awake! A jolly moment discovering wines of this exceptional region!
We leave Fontfroide with our heads full of memories and some good bottles under our arms, enchanted with the certainty of returning. And why not come back for the Orchid Festival!
What's on
The Abbey has a fascinating cultural programme: concerts, exhibitions, a flower market, medieval weekend, orchid exhibition... Activities for young and old all year round!
