Castle-abbey of Cassan

Château-Abbaye de Cassan: The Little Versailles of Languedoc

Near Pézenas, in the heart of vineyards and olive groves, stands the sumptuous Château-Abbaye de Cassan, otherwise known as the “Little Versailles of Languedoc”.

The origins of the Priory date back to the 11th century, when a donation gave the church to a few canons regular fleeing the cathedral chapter of Béziers.

A princely necropolis Cassan Priory is a beacon of spirituality in Languedoc. All those who lived here were touched by the grace of the site, and religious fervour was continuous. The reputation of the monastery was built on the care given to the sick in the hospices, the comfort given to those who came to Cassan to die or to be buried, and the overnight stays and hot meals provided for those on their way to Compostela.

A little history… of the Château – Abbaye de Cassan

The lantern of hope at Cassan Castle-Abbey.

Lit at night, it signalled the presence of a major necropolis, the burial place of the powerful Trencavel family, the viscountal house of Béziers, and the hospitality offered to pilgrims on their way to Compostela.
The lantern has six windows, twelve geometrically shaped ventilation holes and a twelve-bay chimney. It is topped by a chimney with twelve bays. A basalt rock raises it up and stone spheres decorate the arched openings: a jewel of ornamentation.

Places to discover near Château – Abbaye de Cassan

• Château de Margon, a historic monument and garden classified as a “Remarkable Garden” less than 10 minutes away by car.
• Château Saint Pierre de Serjac. Charming hotel-spa, restaurant and winery, less than 10 minutes away by car.
• Pézenas, a town of art and history, is a 15-minute drive away.