Journey through oak forests and chestnut groves to the most perfectly preserved Romanesque abbey in France — a hauntingly beautiful 12th-century Cistercian monastery famed for its acoustics, austerity and silence.
What to expect
You leave the glitter of the coast behind almost immediately, winding through wild Provençal countryside before the abbey's austere limestone walls appear without fanfare in a forest clearing. Inside, your guide traces the 12th-century Cistercian philosophy of light, simplicity and harmony that shaped every proportion of the cloister and nave. Stand still in the church and let the silence — and the stone's legendary resonance — wash over you; monks recorded Gregorian chant here for a reason. The drive back skirts hilltop villages with views stretching to the sea.
Good to know
Abbaye du Thoronet is approximately 55 km from St. Tropez port (around 1 hr drive each way). Best suited to ships with a late all-aboard of 18:00+. Confirm the ship's schedule and communicate it to your guide at booking. Wear layers — the abbey interior is cool even in summer. Book the private tour via ToursByLocals well ahead of your cruise date.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at St. Tropez — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.