At some time around 1157, a group of Cistercian monks abandoned a property they had occupied near Tourtour and moved to Le Thoronet, a site more fertile and better suited to their system of agriculture. No one can be sure when they completed work on the monastery, but it’s likely to have been at the very beginning of the 13th century. The monks remained there until the abbey was deconsecrated in 1785. Many of the buildings were acquired by the French government in 1854 and Le Thoronet was one of the first sites to be added to the list of national monuments.

Unlike many ancient abbeys, Le Thoronet was largely built in one, uninterrupted period, and it’s this fact that gives the site such architectural integrity and purity. Much of it is beautifully preserved, especially the church and cloisters. Visit outside the summer months and you’ll experience the deep tranquility and splendor of this magnificent place without the crowds. Time on this occasion didn’t allow me to get to Le Thoronet’s sister abbeys in Provence, Senanque and Silvacane, but I’m already hatching a plan for a future visit.