Travel Tips

Work on this abbey started already as early as the 11th century. Since the abbey fared well, the abbey was expanded quite a bit. Due to the religious and political unrest, the abbey was fortified as well.

During the religious wars of the 16th century the abbey was badly damaged by huguenot´s from among others Monsegur (about 5 kilometers from St. Ferme). The abbey was sold of bit by bit and even today there are people actually living in several parts of this building. The community tries to buy them back but has to wait till someone either moves out or dies. So it´ll take a couple of years before the abbey is completely in the hands of the community.

Luckily there are still quite a few areas that can be explored. The courtyard can be visited at any time when the gate is open.

At the back of the garden you can see that part of the abbey is in private hands. It is not on this picture but just next to this garden, was a garden with lots of playthings for kids. Quite strange to see when you´re visitng an old abbey

Small path leading to the fromer gardens of the abbey

The church is also almost always open. Just check the gates..