Abbaye de Montmajour, Arles

Name: Abbaye de Montmajour
Address: Route de Fontvieille, Arles, 13280, France
Telephone: +33 4 90 54 86 46

#2 among attractions in Arles

Top attraction, Sacred and religious sites, Romanesque architecture, Monastery, More...

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Abbaye de Montmajour is a monumental testament to the spiritual and architectural heritage of Arles, France. This former Benedictine abbey, founded in the 10th century, stands as a serene relic of medieval monastic life, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

The abbey's imposing structure is perched on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the vast plains of the Camargue. Its strategic location has been a place of worship since Roman times, and the complex we see today evolved between the 10th and 18th centuries. The site comprises a mix of ruins and preserved buildings, including the impressive main church, cloisters, and a hermitage carved into the rock.

Visitors can explore the remnants of the abbey church, which was never completed, and the crypt that dates back to the 11th century. The cloister, with its finely carved capitals, offers a tranquil space that once served as the heart of the abbey's communal life. The towering Pons de l'Orme tower, which was added in the 14th century, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and is a highlight for many tourists.

The Abbaye de Montmajour's most unique feature is the troglodytic chapels and hermitage. These rooms, dug directly into the limestone, served as solitary retreats for monks seeking a life of contemplation. The intricate frescoes within some of these spaces are a testament to the abbey's once-vibrant artistic community.

The abbey also played a significant role in the cultural life of the region, as it was a major pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. It has been an inspiration for artists, including the famous painter Vincent van Gogh, who depicted the surrounding landscape in several of his works.

Today, the Abbaye de Montmajour is open to the public and serves as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments" listing.

Alternative names: Established: 949 (1076 years ago)Architectural style: Romanesque architectureCoordinates: 43°42'21"N, 4°39'51"E

Address

Route de FontvieilleTrébonArles 13280 France

Contact

+33 4 90 54 86 46

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Day trips

Abbaye de Montmajour – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Arles Amphitheatre, Church of St. Trophime, Alyscamps, Obélisque d'Arles.

2.5 miSW
2-tiered amphitheatre with bullfights
Arles Amphitheatre, Arles
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Romanesque-style church with sculptures
Church of St. Trophime, Arles
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2.7 miSW
, Historical place, Ruins
Alyscamps, Arles
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2.7 miSW
Obelisk
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2.6 miSW
Historical place, Archaeological site,
Roman Theatre of Arles, Arles
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Museum, Art museum
Musée Réattu, Arles
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2.6 miSW
Historical place
Thermes, Arles
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2.7 miSW
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2.7 miSW
43°40'38"N • 4°37'41"E
The Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation for Documentary Photography & Film, Arles
69 min walk • Museum, Art museum, Specialty museum
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Ruins
Verrerie de Trinquetaille, Arles
70 min walk • The Verrerie de Trinquetaille is a former factory of glass products, especially bottles, located in the district of Trinquetaille, in Arles, in the Bouches-du-Rhone. It is one of the few pre-industrial sites still visible in the region. The factory has produced glass jugs, such as Dame jeanne.
2.9 miE
Watermill
Barbegal aqueduct and mills
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