Lagrasse Abbey - Corbières Minervois Tourism

Exploring Lagrasse Abbey is a must during a stay in Corbières. This medieval gem captivates the eye long before arriving in the village. After the visit, you can stroll through the cobbled streets, enjoy the terraces of restaurants, to visit artisan shops or you refresh in the waters clear from the river.

How to get here

To access the heart of the village and then the abbey, you will need to leave your vehicle in one of the (paid) car parks located at the entrance. The discovery will be made on foot via a pretty walk. The abbey is on the other side of the Orbieu. It is accessed by crossing the Pont Vieux or a ford located upstream.

The visit of the Abbey of Lagrasse

The Lagrasse Abbey is one of the major sites of the Cathar Country. It is an exceptional collection of buildings from the 12th to the 18th century evoking moments of monastic life. Today, it consists of of two distinct parts a public part belonging to the department of Aude and a private part inhabited by a community of canons. The two sets can be visited separately.

courtyard of the abbey palace – public part

Visiting the public part of the medieval Abbey of Lagrasse / Cultural Center Les arts de lire

La visit to the public part allows you to discover the oldest part of the building. We not only stroll in the courtyard of the Abbey palace, but also in the cellar, the monks' dormitory, the lower and upper chapels, the sacristy, the north transept of the church, a room dedicated to the Master of Cabestany and the ceremonial room, in the heart of the abbot's private apartments. Keen observers will even be able to admire medieval closoirs.

Since the beginning of 2024, the medieval abbey of Lagrasse has been one of the “ Exceptional sites“. Consequently, this recognition integrates it into a national network of exceptional sites and offers an advantageous rate to visitors.

Prepare your visit by downloading the flyer Lagrasse's Abbey de Sainte-Marie.

Abbey opening hours and prices (public part)

Buy my full price tickets

GOOD PLAN !

Benefit from a registration deadline through 3 site pass valid for one adult. It allows access to the entrances of the Castle of Termes, Villerouge-Termenès castle and medieval abbey of Lagrasse for €17 instead of €20,50.

Buy the must-see pass

You can also download the app Cathar Country, The Guide which offers a commented walk to accompany you during the discovery of the Abbey of Lagrasse. For the children, download the application Castrum, the game so that they can visit the abbey while having fun!

Download the “Cathar Country, The Guide” and “Castrum, the game” apps

The visit of the private part of the Abbey of Lagrasse

It is also possible to visit the private part called “Sainte-Marie Canonical Abbey”, administered since 2004 by a community of Canons. You can admire the abbey church, the cloister, the 18th century convent buildings, the south transept and the garden. Attention, currently the garden, the tower and the transept are closed for work. In summer, visitors can attend an afternoon (every day except Thursday) visit commented by a canon. The mass and services whose timetables are available here are sung in Gregorian according to the Roman rite.

Visit the private part of the abbey

Medieval Abbey of Lagrasse / Arts of Reading Cultural Center

The abbey, on the public side, is also a cultural center dedicated to Books and thought including a library. Events are organized regularly. Watch them calendar !

Heritage Centre

Another unmissable visit to Lagrasse, that of Heritage Centre. In fact, it takes place in the old village presbytery with painted panels and ceilings from the 13th to the beginning of the 16th century and permanent exhibition “Forgotten Images of the Middle Ages”. It also houses the Lagrasse tourist office.

Visit Lagrasse, one of the "Most beautiful villages in France"

The visit of Lagrasse, one of the most beautiful villages in France, offers the possibility to spend a very pleasant day and even more! Restaurants, local and artisan shops, Saturday morning market, swimming in the river, hiking or cycling… In short, there is something for everyone!