Frigolet Abbey, Medieval monastery in Tarascon, France
Frigolet Abbey is a monastery complex in the Montagnette hills between Avignon and Tarascon. The grounds include two churches—the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Michel and the Notre-Dame Basilica—spread across wooded land with pine trees and olive groves.
The monastery was founded in 960 and housed different religious communities over the centuries. The Premonstratensians took over the abbey in 1923 and continue to shape life there today.
The site holds two churches that together show different periods of religious practice. The basilica's interior features murals inspired by Paris's Holy Chapel, filling the space with gold and sacred imagery.
Visitors can explore the outdoor areas daily, with guided tours typically available on Sunday afternoons in French. It's wise to check for religious celebrations, as church access may be limited on those days.
The abbey takes its name from ferigoulo, a Provençal word meaning thyme, a plant that grows wild in the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. This aromatic herb has shaped the region for centuries and gave this place its distinctive name.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
