Abbaye de Valmagne : Historic monument, wine estate and restaurant
Abbaye de Valmagne is a Cistercian Abbey listed historic monument, and founded in 1139.
Set off to discover this prestigious building, which has retained all its splendour 9 centuries after its foundation!
The “Cathedral of the vines” is at the heart of a thousand-year-old vineyard, one of the oldest in the Languedoc, and has been producing top-quality organic wines since 1999.
For over 40 years now, the family, owners for 9 generations, have been welcoming visitors to this magnificent site with the same passion.
Along the way, you’ll discover the old church turned wine storehouse, which still houses its famous Russian oak tuns, the cloister, the old refectory, not forgetting to stop off near the octagonal fountain, an exquisite and rare place… so many sources of wonder!
If you’re visiting Valmagne as a family, try the Grand Jeu de Piste (Great Treasure Hunt), which will plunge you into a fantastic story as you search for the abbey’s treasure and secrets.
To round off your visit, enjoy a tasting of the estate’s organic wines.
Finally, for those who wish to extend this moment of pleasure, the “Ferme-Auberge” offers authentic, gourmet cuisine featuring organic vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden and local producers.
An authentic place of remembrance and a winegrowing estate that is still going strong today.
A little history … of Abbaye de Valmagne
The old church of Valmagne Abbey still houses its famous Russian oak casks! Following the French Revolution, the last monks in the abbey were forced to flee to Spain. The monastery was pillaged by revolutionary peasants. As a result, it became national property.
The abbey and its estate were sold to Monsieur Granier-Joyeuse, a winegrower from Villeveyrac, who transformed the abbey church into a winery!In 1820, 18 Russian oak casks were installed in the nave of the church, earning it the nickname of the “cathedral of the vines”.
Places and sites to visit around Abbaye de Valmagne
Here is our selection of the main places to visit in the vicinity of Abbaye de Valmagne.
The town of Pézenas, its historic centre and arts and crafts stalls – 13 km
Mèze (8km) and the Thau Basin, Sète.
The Domaine de la Dourbie in Canet – organic wine estate and listed garden – 21 km
Sète,
