Pure poetry
"The melancholic charm of these ruins and the Cistercian tranquillity of their deep solitude captivate immediately.” - Claire Richard, Guide de l’Aude
“Severity, flamboyance, and romanticism are the keys to discovery at the Abbaye de Villelongue.”
A timeless abbey...
With a little imagination, you can fill in the gaps. The charm and poetry of the medieval inspired garden within the old monastic walls may surprise you: a garden to be explored in the innermost recesses!
Listed as an historic monument, the abbey was built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks and enlarged in the 14th century after the crusade against Cathar heresy. Its decline began in 1529 with the arrival of commendatory abbots. By the French Revolution, the abbey had already lost its soul, with only 3 monks remaining. It is a fine example of architecture and sculptures typical of the 'Languedoc southern Gothic' style in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Nous avons bénéficié de la sérénité que procurent une campagne traversée de ruisseaux, et son vaste jardin où embaument les rosiers. Le chant des oiseaux ajoute une note vibrante à ce plaisir retrouvé. Comme c'est ce que j'attends lors de mes voyages.
Quote by
Lucie C.
How to get there
GPS co-ordinates
lat. 43° 18' 19" - long. 2° 9' 60"
Leave the motorway at the Carcassonne Ouest exit, then follow the RN113, towards Pezens – Moussoulens – Montolieu.
From Montolieu follow the D64 to the Abbaye de Villelongue.
Parking on site
