Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet
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Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet

4.6
·2k reviews·Tarascon, France

A serene 1100s Gothic abbey rebuilt in the 20th century, offering stunning architecture, unique art, and a peaceful escape off the beaten path.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Guided tours available

CrowdMedium
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Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet

Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Guided tours available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 1100s Gothic abbey rebuilt in the 20th century, offering stunning architecture, unique art, and a peaceful escape off the beaten path.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"This beautiful Abby is set off the beaten path, and if our host hadn’t of recommended it, we would’ve missed it. We are super glad that she mentioned it. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Magic Inside

Take photos of the ceiling panels; they appear dark visually but reveal incredible detail on camera. :iphone:

🗣️ French Tour Alert

Guided tours are in French and last 2 hours. Be prepared if you don't speak the language.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Abbey Interior

The Abbey Interior

Main Abbey Church

A stunning display of 1100s Gothic architecture, rebuilt in the 20th century, with intricate details and side chapels.

Chapel of Joseph's Life

Chapel of Joseph's Life

Side Chapel

Discover unique panels near the ceiling depicting scenes from Joseph's life, which truly come alive when photographed.

Reddit
Reliquary Collection

Reliquary Collection

Designated area

Explore an extensive collection of over 30 relics, with a guidebook to identify each saint represented.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Sunday Visits & Guided Tours

The Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet is primarily open for public visits on Sundays, often with guided tours. These tours are typically in French and can last up to two hours, so plan accordingly if you don't speak the language. Reddit

Off the Beaten Path Charm

This abbey is a bit secluded, so having a car or planning your transport is key. Many visitors discover it through local recommendations, highlighting its hidden gem status. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Guided tours available
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (grounds)
Why
Peaceful grounds for a walk
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La Sygalle sur un fil 🧵 Retouches – Créations sur-mesure - Costumes de spectacle – costume d’Arlésienne 🪡 Un savoir-faire unique, au service de votre élégance.🧶 📍 Tarascon sur Rhône sur rendez-vous uniquement 🚘 Visite à domicile secteur de 20klm Communication @Menova event’s #LaSygalle #costumearlesienne #arlesienne #Couturière #CostumeDeScène
@lasygalle.surunfil
2.1K likes • 14.7K views

📸 Photo Magic Inside

Take photos of the ceiling panels; they appear dark visually but reveal incredible detail on camera. Reddit :iphone:

🗣️ French Tour Alert

Guided tours are in French and last 2 hours. Be prepared if you don't speak the language. Reddit

Un chantier inhabituel dans le centre ancien de Tarascon, la reprise d’un escalier. 🪜 Il y a quelques temps, nous vous avions présenté nos travaux sur la façade de cette maison. Aujourd’hui nous remplaçons l’escalier menant au premier étage de la bâtisse. 🏠 Une intervention complexe et passionnante ⚒️ #lapierreaucarre #renovation #chantier #tailledepierre #artisan
@la_pierre_au_carre
989 likes • 20.4K views
Petit déroulé de notre week-end à Frigolet dans une ambiance de magie 🪄! Le beau temps et la fraternité étant bien au rendez-vous, nous sommes rentrés chez nous avec le cœur plein de joie 🤩 Une immense joie d’avoir pu passer un tel moment ! #saintmichel #abbaye #aumonerie #jeunesse
lesjeunesducarmel
70 likes • 1.5K views

🅿️ Easy Parking

Free, ample parking is available just across the street in a large gravel lot. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Grounds for a Stroll

The extensive grounds offer a lovely walk, though some areas could use a bit more upkeep. Reddit

✨ Concert exceptionnel à l’Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet ✨ 🎶 Requiem de Fauré 🎶 et œuvres de Théodore Dubois par le Chœur Phocéen & les Petits Chanteurs de la Major accompagnés par Grégoire Rolland 📍 Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet 📅 Dimanche 1er juin 🕖 16 h 30 Un moment de grâce dans un lieu d’exception 🌿 💒 Musique sacrée, émotion et beauté intemporelle 🎟 Renseignements et réservations : h...
pchmajor
24 likes • 556 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Magic Inside

Take photos of the ceiling panels; they appear dark visually but reveal incredible detail on camera. Reddit :iphone:

🗣️ French Tour Alert

Guided tours are in French and last 2 hours. Be prepared if you don't speak the language. Reddit

🅿️ Easy Parking

Free, ample parking is available just across the street in a large gravel lot. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Grounds for a Stroll

The extensive grounds offer a lovely walk, though some areas could use a bit more upkeep. Reddit

☕ Cafe Break

A lovely little cafe is available for refreshments, with friendly and helpful staff. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet for its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and unique artistic details, especially the Joseph's Life panels which are best viewed through photos. The free parking and lack of admission fee are significant draws, though the French-only guided tours and the restaurant's upstairs location are noted considerations. Reddit

"This beautiful Abby is set off the beaten path, and if our host hadn’t of recommended it, we would’ve missed it. We are super glad that she mentioned it.

The places, large, peaceful, and very ordinately decorated inside. The side chapels are gorgeous, and the one of Joseph’s life is particularly interesting. I highly recommend taking photos with your camera of the different panels near the ceiling. The reason is that when you look at them visually they’re rather dark and aged. However, they come alive when you take a photo of them. It was also pretty cool to see Joseph get some recognition, which is something we had not seen much of before.

The relocate is very extensive with over 30 different items in it. There is a guidebook for it which list all of the Saints, which are represented by the relics. The restrooms were clean and easy to access. There is a restaurant which is more of a sit down place rather than a take away. There are stairs you have to climb to get to it so be aware. Parking is free and easy just across the street in a large gravel lot. There was no admission fee and with such a beautiful place, we can’t help but recommend it!"

Mark Bray

"This place is beautiful and peaceful, lovely little cafe, really lovely and helpful staff, the grounds are a great walk, the churches are beautiful. A stunning location"

Graham Reynolds

"We visited the Frigolet Abbey on 21/06/25
This was our second visit to the Abbey in a few years .
I’d like to say that there is ample parking around the Abbey , it’s not a tarmaced surface the area it’s just a rough stone area .
Once inside the grounds of the Abbey there’s lots of interesting facts posted around the whole area . These made for an interesting read . The grounds inside the Abbey could do with a bit of Tlc now .
Now onto the Abbey it’s self, it is absolutely blooming stunning it blows me away with the details on the outside and of course the inside is where the true beauty lies .
It’s an absolute must you should visit Frigolet Abbey if you’re staying in the provance area ."

Mick K

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Peaceful atmosphere
Unique art panels

What People Dislike

French-only tours
Restaurant upstairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The abbey is located off the beaten path, making it best accessed by car. There is ample, free parking available in a large gravel lot just across the street. Reddit Public transport options are limited, so driving is highly recommended for ease of access.

Yes, it makes for a wonderful day trip, especially if you're exploring the Provence region. You can combine a visit to the abbey with exploring nearby towns or enjoying the scenic countryside. Reddit

The abbey is primarily open to the public on Sundays. Guided tours are available on Sundays at 3:00 PM. Reddit It's advisable to check for any seasonal variations or special event closures.

While the main abbey church and specific areas might be tied to tour times, the surrounding grounds are generally accessible for a peaceful walk. Reddit However, access to the interior may be restricted outside of scheduled visiting hours.

There is no admission fee to enter the abbey or its grounds, making it a very accessible attraction. Reddit Guided tours may have a small fee, typically around 8 euros. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Advance booking is generally not required for general visits, as there's no admission fee. However, for the guided tours offered on Sundays, it's wise to arrive a bit early to secure your spot, as they may have limited capacity. Reddit

The guided tours, which are conducted in French, typically cost around 8 euros per person. Reddit This is a small price for an in-depth exploration of the abbey's history and architecture.

The restaurant is located upstairs and requires climbing stairs, so it may not be accessible for everyone. Reddit While the main areas are generally navigable, some older structures might present challenges. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility needs if required.

Photography is permitted inside the abbey, and visitors are encouraged to take photos of certain artistic elements, like the panels depicting Joseph's life, as they appear much clearer in pictures. Reddit

The abbey provides clean and easily accessible restrooms for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the stunning 1100s Gothic interior, admire the side chapels (including the unique Chapel of Joseph's Life), and view an extensive reliquary collection. The grounds also offer a peaceful setting for a walk. Reddit

Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that offers a sit-down dining experience. There's also a lovely little cafe for refreshments and gifts. Reddit

The abbey is described as a large, peaceful, and ordinately decorated place. It offers a serene escape and a chance to appreciate historical and religious art. Reddit

Interesting facts and historical information are posted around the abbey grounds, making for an engaging read. Reddit A guidebook is also available for the reliquary collection. Reddit

For the panels near the ceiling, especially those depicting Joseph's life, it's highly recommended to take photos. They appear dark visually but come alive with detail when captured by a camera. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The abbey features a restaurant for sit-down meals and a charming cafe for refreshments and gifts. Reddit The cafe is noted for its lovely atmosphere and helpful staff. Reddit

While the restaurant offers a sit-down experience, be aware that it is located upstairs and requires climbing stairs, which might be a consideration for families with very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

Yes, there is a shop where you can purchase refreshments and gifts, making it a good place to pick up a memento of your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The interior of the abbey, particularly the side chapels and the detailed panels near the ceiling, offers excellent photographic opportunities. The exterior architecture is also quite striking. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed inside the abbey. However, it's always a good practice to be respectful of the sacred space and other visitors. Reddit

A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, especially for the ceiling panels. Many visitors find that their phone cameras capture these details surprisingly well. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet can be a peaceful stop for families, offering a chance to explore historical architecture and art. The grounds provide space for children to wander, and the cafe is a good spot for a snack break. Reddit However, be mindful that the guided tours are in French and can be quite long (2 hours), which might test the patience of younger children. Reddit The restaurant is upstairs, so consider this if you have very young children or strollers. Reddit

Focus on the visual aspects of the abbey, like the colorful panels (especially when photographed) and the impressive scale of the building. The reliquary collection might be less engaging for very young kids, but older children might find the stories behind the saints interesting with a bit of explanation. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

This abbey is an excellent addition to a road trip through Provence. Its secluded location means it's often a delightful discovery, and the free parking makes it hassle-free. Reddit It's a perfect spot for a peaceful break, offering a dose of history and stunning architecture without the overwhelming crowds of more famous landmarks. Reddit

Combine your visit with exploring nearby villages or enjoying the scenic countryside. The abbey's serene atmosphere and unique artistic elements, like the Joseph panels, make it a memorable stop. Reddit Just be aware of the Sunday-centric visiting hours and the French-only guided tours if you're planning your itinerary.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Abbey's History and Architecture

The Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet boasts a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the 1100s. While the original structure has seen significant rebuilding, particularly in the 20th century, it retains its Gothic essence. Visitors are often struck by the ordinately decorated interior, a testament to centuries of devotion and artistry. The abbey's hilltop location also offers a sense of serene isolation, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Key architectural features include the main abbey church and several side chapels, each with its own unique character. The Chapel of Joseph's Life is a particular highlight, featuring panels near the ceiling that are best appreciated through photography, as they reveal their intricate details when captured on camera. Reddit The extensive reliquary collection, housing over 30 items, further adds to the historical and spiritual significance of the site. Reddit

While the abbey is a place of historical importance, it's also a living religious community. Visitors often comment on the peaceful ambiance and the opportunity to connect with a sense of history and spirituality. The grounds themselves, though some parts may show signs of age, provide a pleasant space for reflection and a gentle walk. Reddit

Tips for a Meaningful Visit

To make the most of your visit to Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet, consider planning around the Sunday opening hours and guided tours. These tours, though conducted in French, offer valuable insights into the abbey's history and significance. Reddit If French isn't your strong suit, focus on appreciating the visual splendor and perhaps using a translation app for any informational signs. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the art inside. The panels depicting Joseph's life are a unique feature; bring your camera, as the details are far more vivid in photographs than they appear to the naked eye. Reddit The reliquary collection is also extensive, and a guidebook can enhance your understanding of the saints represented. Reddit

Beyond the main church, take time to explore the grounds. While some areas might benefit from a bit more attention, they offer a tranquil setting for a stroll. The on-site cafe provides a pleasant spot for a break, and the staff are noted for being friendly and helpful. Reddit Remember that parking is free and convenient, making access straightforward.

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