Imposing and majestic in its green setting, the abbey was founded under Charlemagne in 779. It was the largest abbey in the department and has been one of its finest architectural treasures ever since. Facing the medieval city, classified among "The most beautiful villages in France", this imposing Benedictine monument commands respect and presents a breathtaking catalog of architecture from the 8th to the 18th century. From the French Revolution, several owners have succeeded and since 2004, the Department of Aude owns the oldest part, called "Public". We discover the mainly medieval buildings: the courtyard of the abbey house, the cellar, the bakery, the chapels and their vestibules, the sacristy, the north transept, the pre-Romanesque tower, the lapidary deposit, the ceremonial room as well as the dormitory. partly restored in 2009. The other part, private, called "Abbaye Canoniale Sainte Marie" belongs to religious. It can be visited separately from the public part presented here.
Additional Information :
Last entry one hour before the abbey closes. The bookstore and shop remain open until December 31 inclusive (then reopen on January 14), with the exception of Wednesday, December 25.
Ranking & labels
- Listed as a historic monument
- Listed as historical monuments
- Cathar Country website
- Vignobles et Découvertes
Working Languages
- English
- Spanish
Video
Services
- Groups welcome up to 60 people
- Bus parking
Visits
- Guided group tour on request
- Individual guided tour permanently
- Individual guided tour on request
Opening
| Open from January 19, 2026 to April 30, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Wednesday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Thursday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Friday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am to 18:00pm |
| Sunday | 10:00am to 18:00pm |
| Open from May 01, 2026 to September 30, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00am to 19:00pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00am to 19:00pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00am to 19:00pm |
| Thursday | 10:00am to 19:00pm |
| Friday | 10:00am to 19:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am to 19:00pm |
| Sunday | 10:00am to 19:00pm |
| Open from October 01, 2026 to December 23, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Wednesday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Thursday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Friday | 13:30am to 17:30pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am to 18:00pm |
| Sunday | 10:00am to 18:00pm |
Fee
| Price | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
|
Full price Self-guided tour |
7,50€ | |
|
Child rate 8 / 17 years |
4€ | |
|
Student rate 18 / 25 years |
5€ | |
|
Family rate 2 adults + 2 children |
20€ | |
| Adult group rate | 5,50€ | |
|
Full price Guided tour |
11€ | |
|
Child rate 8 / 17 years |
6€ | |
|
Student rate 18 / 25 years |
7,50€ | |
|
Family rate 2 adults + 2 children |
26€ | |
| Adult group rate | 8,50€ |
Payment method
- Credit card
- French bank and postal checks
- Cash
- Eurocard-Mastercard
- View
Equipments & services
Equipment
- Bar
- Screening Room
- Equipped meeting room
Services
- Shop