At Abbaye de Sylvanès, heritage and music meet.
The Cistercian Abbaye de Sylvanès was founded in 1136 by Pons de l’Héras, a repentant former brigand touched by divine grace, who decided to end his life in its service.
Nestling in the heart of the forest, in a haven of peace on the border of the Grands Causses and Haut Languedoc regional nature parks in southern Aveyron, Sylvanès Abbey is a major cultural and heritage site.
Since 1975, this architectural gem has undergone a veritable renaissance, thanks in particular to the dynamic action of the Association of Friends of the Abbey, under the impetus of Father André Gouzes and Michel Wolkowitsky, the current director.
Sylvanès Abbey: An innovative place
The commune of Sylvanès has chosen to innovate with its new stained glass windows, in order to enhance the site’s luminosity and optimise sound diffusion.
In the centre of each stained-glass window, part of the sound wave running through the nave is reproduced from a pe...
At Abbaye de Sylvanès, heritage and music meet.
The Cistercian Abbaye de Sylvanès was founded in 1136 by Pons de l’Héras, a repentant former brigand touched by divine grace, who decided to end his life in its service.
Nestling in the heart of the forest, in a haven of peace on the border of the Grands Causses and Haut Languedoc regional nature parks in southern Aveyron, Sylvanès Abbey is a major cultural and heritage site.
Since 1975, this architectural gem has undergone a veritable renaissance, thanks in particular to the dynamic action of the Association of Friends of the Abbey, under the impetus of Father André Gouzes and Michel Wolkowitsky, the current director.
Sylvanès Abbey: An innovative place
The commune of Sylvanès has chosen to innovate with its new stained glass windows, in order to enhance the site’s luminosity and optimise sound diffusion.
In the centre of each stained-glass window, part of the sound wave running through the nave is reproduced from a perfect sound point at the crossing of the transepts, providing an exceptional sensory experience.
The International Festival of Sacred Music – World Music at Sylvanès
For over 40 years now, the Abbey has been organising the International Festival of Sacred Music – World Music, one of the most important musical events in the Occitan region.
In 2015, this exceptional site was awarded the title of Cultural Encounter Centre.
It focuses on projects centred on music and cultural dialogue.
Every year, the abbey hosts top-quality singing and vocal training courses for professionals and amateurs alike.
Within the abbey, visit the abbey church, the scriptorium, the chapter house and the east gallery of the cloister on a self-guided or guided tour, or for group meals.
On site: Picnic table – Catering (for groups and trainees) – Bike rack – Sanitary facilities – Benches
A little history … of Sylvanès Abbey
Sylvanès Abbey is home to the largest new organ in Occitania.
Its vast dimensions made it possible to build this gigantic organ. Inaugurated in 1997, it has 4 manuals, 4,600 pipes and 59 stops! By way of comparison, the organ at Notre Dame de Paris, an example in the field, has 8,000 pipes, 5 manuals and 119 stops.
Main sights around Sylvanès Abbey
