The abbey of Fontfroide is a former Cistercian monastery in France, situated 15 kilometers south-west of Narbonne near the Spanish border. Nestled among cypress and pine trees, stands the former abbey of Saint Mary of Fontfroide. This complex, with its picturesque charm, was founded at the end of the 11th century by Benedictine monks.
ABBEY OF FONTFROIDE
From the 15th century, the King of France imposed his abbots, nobles most of the time, little concerned with monastic considerations. New constructions are emerging, giving Fontfroide an air of a castle: Cour d’Honneur, pediments, terraced gardens.
Gardens and Architecture combine in Fontfroide. Integrated into the visit to the abbey, the rose garden and the gardens classified as ‘Remarkable Garden’ are an invitation to a bucolic walk, an escape between mineral and vegetal. Stroll between the alleys of rosebushes, explore the small paths, contemplate the abbey. Time stands still at Fontfroide.
The abbey still remains in private hands. Today wine is produced here of the AOC Corbières quality under the French appellations system. It also has a small working farm, bookstore.
The vineyard is located on the edge of the scrubland where pines, cistus and heather reign supreme. In this fresh terroir, the red and white grape varieties ripen more slowly. The grape thus develops an exceptional aromatic maturity which is found in the wines by intense fruity aromas, unusual. Their wines are available in their Tasting Cellar.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Abbey of Fontfroide is open all year round except December 25 and January 1. The last entry takes place half an hour before the site closes. Ticket admission 12.50€, tour guided only on summer season 15€. Opening time:
November 1 – March 31 : 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
April 1 – July 1 : 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
July 2 – August 31 : 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (open until 8:00 p.m. at night time )
September 1 – October 31 : 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The entrance ticket to Fontfroide includes a visit to the abbey and the gardens. There is a bar and restaurant inside the property, Mediterranean cuisine, reservation is strongly recommended.
