Abbaye de Valmagne
Abbaye de Valmagne
4
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Valmagne abbey is a cistercian abbey. Since 1947, it's classified as a historical monument. In 1139, Raymond Trencavel, Viscount of Beziers founded Valmagne Abbey situated near Villeyrac, a few miles away from the port of Meze on the "Bassin de Thau". From the 12th through to the middle of the 14th Century, Valmagne was one of the richest abbeys in the south of France. You can discover the "cathedrale des vignes"(gothic church), the "conservatoire des cepages", the Chapter House, the Fountain, ... And then you can stroll in the garden, taste organic wine or eat at the "auberge de valmagne".
Duration: 1-2 hours
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5 within 5 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
520 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
186
Average
54
Poor
21
Terrible
21
Mick S
Uzes, France6 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
First impressions were not good, the entrance was more like a shop interior. The receptionist was pleasant and when we asked if the was a reduced rates for handicapped people, she confirmed that there was. At the normal entry fee of €9 it was reduced by €1. Was it really worth getting the card out.
We were then given an explanatory card, listing the main points to be seen in the Abbey, and a plan. Proceed through that door and follow the arrows. So we did. Through the door was the wine tasting room, of which we politely declined. Through the next door into a gallery and an arrow indicating the way into the main part of the Abbey. Huge interior with most of the archways filled with now defunct wine barrels. We made our way around several small rooms, one of which had beautiful stained glass windows. We found our way to the cloisters in the centre of which is a garden, which no doubt when in full is worth seeing, not early in April. No more arrows that we saw so we made our way to the exit.
Surprise surprise, you have to leave via the wine tasting room, again politely declined and left by the entrance. The publicity etc says that one to two hours should be allowed for the visit. So unless you wish to visit the fields of vines, of which there are probably millions in the S. of France, 30 minutes is plenty long enough.
Although there is handicapped parking, there has to be by law, there are no notices to say that there are places not accessible for wheel chairs or buggies. There are several places where steps have to be negotiated.
So lunch time, let's see if there are any spaces at the restaurant where reservations are recommended. If there aren't we wouldn't have been too disappointed. No need to have worried, it had been closed for the better part of 8 months. Not mentioned anywhere that we saw that it closed for winter.
We were then given an explanatory card, listing the main points to be seen in the Abbey, and a plan. Proceed through that door and follow the arrows. So we did. Through the door was the wine tasting room, of which we politely declined. Through the next door into a gallery and an arrow indicating the way into the main part of the Abbey. Huge interior with most of the archways filled with now defunct wine barrels. We made our way around several small rooms, one of which had beautiful stained glass windows. We found our way to the cloisters in the centre of which is a garden, which no doubt when in full is worth seeing, not early in April. No more arrows that we saw so we made our way to the exit.
Surprise surprise, you have to leave via the wine tasting room, again politely declined and left by the entrance. The publicity etc says that one to two hours should be allowed for the visit. So unless you wish to visit the fields of vines, of which there are probably millions in the S. of France, 30 minutes is plenty long enough.
Although there is handicapped parking, there has to be by law, there are no notices to say that there are places not accessible for wheel chairs or buggies. There are several places where steps have to be negotiated.
So lunch time, let's see if there are any spaces at the restaurant where reservations are recommended. If there aren't we wouldn't have been too disappointed. No need to have worried, it had been closed for the better part of 8 months. Not mentioned anywhere that we saw that it closed for winter.
Written 11 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian B
Gulpilhares, Portugal64 contributions
May 2022
Beautiful location. We had an excellent lunch in the restaurant with some local wines and then did teh tour of the abbey. It is magnificant and also amazing to see the vats in the nave of the church. The cloister was charming and very peacefull. A place to be calm and reenergise.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vik95
Cormeilles-en-Parisis, France35 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful and peaceful place in the middle of the vineyard. We visited the abbey (over 800 years of history in these walls!) and enjoyed an excellent lunch with good wine at the restaurant (it’s a good idea to book a table 😉).
This place deserves that you take your time - maybe even stop the time? - and just enjoy the beauty of the place.
This place deserves that you take your time - maybe even stop the time? - and just enjoy the beauty of the place.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Globetrotterbreizh
Homecourt, France84 contributions
Sept 2020
The abbey is a must see place. It is full of history and definitely worth visiting. If you get to do the commented visit, you will enjoy it that much more.
It is easy to access and there is a car park just outside of the abbey.
The entrance fee is very reasonable.
It is easy to access and there is a car park just outside of the abbey.
The entrance fee is very reasonable.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Studfarm10
Barnsley, United Kingdom46 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The abbey is a pleasant place to wander around and to take in the majesty of a religious order's take on a life of poverty and servitude. We chose to go around by ourselves with the help of an English written guide and the numerous wall plaques. The fountain area was the best but for me, despite not being aloud to walk on the nearby cloister lawn; it was a cool refreshing spot. We went in the morning so there weren't too many other visitors about. Bit pricey tho at 7€ 50 each. Worth a look.
Written 6 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hello - thanks for your comment - we note your remark on the price : so we advise you for next time to follow the commented visit with a guide ( same price ) or a ear -phone , but more value , instead you missed a lot of stories and understandings - that's our view
For your information, the price is due that we are not public monument but private ( gouvernement has no more money to support this type a monument ) and a lot of reparation have been done and still a lot to be done ( so
Also, to maintain and animate a monument with such a lot of public is very consumening and costly -
expecting to better inform you - sincerely
Written 17 August 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dr Benjamin P
Whangarei, New Zealand781 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
This is a place, a Cistercian abbey, where one can only regret the sad fate of it all. While the building is grand and large in soaring Gothic terms, there is not one stained glass window left of the original and really only one restored example in the restored Refectory. The nave is used to store large vats of wine and recitals are held here also, somewhat different to the austere life of a Cistercian monk.
We chose to join a tour with a French-speaking guide and found it to be irritatingly full-on, long-winded and intensely boring with far too much detail to be of interest for people already well-informed about abbeys, monastic life and Gothic architecture. We drifted off and did our own tour. The guide also puffed on an e-cigarette the entire time.
The main abbey is dark and oppressive because much has been filled in with stone where once there were stained glass windows. While it might be a work in progress, there are far better abbeys to see such as Fontfroide. The best parts are the garden and cloisters, the chapter house and the lavabo.
We chose to join a tour with a French-speaking guide and found it to be irritatingly full-on, long-winded and intensely boring with far too much detail to be of interest for people already well-informed about abbeys, monastic life and Gothic architecture. We drifted off and did our own tour. The guide also puffed on an e-cigarette the entire time.
The main abbey is dark and oppressive because much has been filled in with stone where once there were stained glass windows. While it might be a work in progress, there are far better abbeys to see such as Fontfroide. The best parts are the garden and cloisters, the chapter house and the lavabo.
Written 11 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derpherp
1 contribution
First of all you spend 7.80 for your entry, then the people in charge are [--] , you come in and the front door is closed, one of the 'very friendly' ladies comes and opens up the door, you walk thru the garden then you stand at the master portal which is also closed, you have to wait 20 minutes till she actually opens the doir, oh god! The whole thIng is beautiful indeed but you only need 20 minutes to finish the tour, there are no more paintings, the whole thing has been transformed in a money making business. They only make poor wine and try ti sell it to you desperately, all in all its not worth it and it SUCKS badly ,unfriendly personal and a too high entry price makes the whole thing not worthy definetely not to do!!!!!!
Written 30 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RogerB211
Warninglid, UK44 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Well this is my sort of abbey. The church has massive oak wine barrels along each side and has a distinct scent of the old oak wine barrels. The cloister is beautiful and retains much of the original ambiance. There is a shop and restaurant but do book if you want to eat, we were there at 13.30 and couldn't even get a drink! The ancient garden is worth a look but was not well maintained. The tour is supposed to offer a free wine tasting but none was offered and we left.
Written 6 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john m
Hertford, UK3 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
A warm welcome from the owners of the restaurant, the food was delicious, probably the most exceptional meal we've had during our two week visit to the the Montpellier region. The wife of the vigneron who runs the restaurant and is responsible for creating the menus took the time to show us around the garden where flowers and herbs are grown to decorate and flavour the dishes. Hers is a beautiful and creative approach to local cuisine and the restaurant is most definitely worth a visit.
Written 17 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oilibhear
Ennis, Ireland141 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
Contrary to the experiences of other reviewers here I must say my recent visit was most pleasurable. Yes, the entry charge is probably a bit expensive for what can be a relatively short walk through the old abbey and cloisters. But what an abbey and cloisters they are! Situated in a very tranquil and pleasant environment the history of the abbey envelops you as you first view the huge wine vats stored in the otherwise bare but impressively large Gothic church.
Moving out to the beautiful cloister you really get a sense of how magnificent Valmagne once was. Don’t miss the Chapter House and the Refectory with its original tiling and truly stunning fireplace. Back out in the cloister is possibly the highlight of the visit, the opportunity to sit down in the peace and quiet of the fountain pavilion just listening to the rippling of the water and the birdsong. I will concede that this may not always be possible as we were visiting on a beautiful autumnal day in the off season.
Exiting through the Abbaye shop we paused to buy some wine and beer. There was no pressure whatsoever to do so but we were very glad we did as the beer was particularly good (we haven’t tried the wine yet!).
Outside is a display vineyard with all the varieties of grapes laid out and explained, a very good idea which we found most informative. I can’t comment on the Auberge restaurant as we did not eat there on this visit. All in all, we had a very enjoyable visit to a very interesting Abbaye.
Moving out to the beautiful cloister you really get a sense of how magnificent Valmagne once was. Don’t miss the Chapter House and the Refectory with its original tiling and truly stunning fireplace. Back out in the cloister is possibly the highlight of the visit, the opportunity to sit down in the peace and quiet of the fountain pavilion just listening to the rippling of the water and the birdsong. I will concede that this may not always be possible as we were visiting on a beautiful autumnal day in the off season.
Exiting through the Abbaye shop we paused to buy some wine and beer. There was no pressure whatsoever to do so but we were very glad we did as the beer was particularly good (we haven’t tried the wine yet!).
Outside is a display vineyard with all the varieties of grapes laid out and explained, a very good idea which we found most informative. I can’t comment on the Auberge restaurant as we did not eat there on this visit. All in all, we had a very enjoyable visit to a very interesting Abbaye.
Written 22 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
J’ai vu qu’il y avait une piste au trésor sur cette abbaye ça vaut le coût ? Le tarif est bien de 35€ pour 2 adultes et 2 enfants ?
Written 17 May 2021
Bonjour est ce pratiquable pour une personne en fauteuil roulant ?
Written 7 October 2018
c'est possible, mais pas facile;je pense que le mieux est de poser la question aux gérants de l'établissement. désolé de ne pouvoir vous renseigner de maniere plus précise.
Written 8 October 2018
We are visiting Sete on a crusie. How far is the Abbey de Valmagne from the center of town? Is it walkable?
Written 27 March 2018
It is quite a ways out of town and we also visited while on a cruise. The best way is either signing up for a cruise tour or a tour via Viator (they have some great tours and usually less expensive than the cruise tours). It's a beautiful abbey, with a short wine tasting but there wasn't a tour guide.
Written 28 March 2018
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