Le Thoronet Abbey: Fast Track

The 12th-century Thoronet Abbey came to represent the ultra-pious spirit of the Cistercian order, stipping away all distractions to keep the mind pure. Now, filled with history and perfectly austere design, a visit to this living museum is a fascinating insight into a forgotten way of life.
Known as the 'jewel' of the Cistercian abbeys, Thoronet Abbey was an ideal place for the monks to live, work and worship without intrusion or temptation.
Even the design embodies this philosophy, built from only the most basic elements atop a rock that represents foundations of strong faith.
Enter through the minimalist entrance, and take in the serenity of the main church. In the adjoining chapter house, you can see where the monks met every morning to study the Bible. Beautiful, spartan cloisters run along the northern side.
A visit here is a perfectly peaceful day out in the beautiful Provençal countryside.