The Cistercian Abbey of Flaran
Founded in 1151 in the Baïse Valley (Grand Site Occitanie), the Abbaye Cistercienne de Flaran is one of the best-preserved abbeys of south-west France.
The Cistercian Abbey of Flaran – beautifully renovated and beautifully preserved !
Founded in 1151 in the Baïse Valley (Grand Site Occitanie), the Abbaye Cistercienne de Flaran is one of the best-preserved abbeys of south-west France. It was built in several stages between the 12th and 18th centuries. This jewel of Cistercian art is 1.5km from the bastide of Valence sur Baïse in Armagnac.
The well- preserved cloister and church (12 – 13th century) covering more than 2,000m² allow us to better understand the Cistercian community who settled there in the Middle Ages when the Order was in its heyday.
The Abbey had a turbulent history and was finally bought by the Département du Gers in 1972. Since then it has been the subject of an intense restoration campaign and has become a Heritage and Cultural Centre for exhibitions and classical music concerts. Themed workshops are also run for all ages.
Little extra : During the (French) school holidays, there is a discovery trail for children to explore the Abbaye de Flaran in a different way. A children’s area with colouring activity linked to the exhibition and a fun booklet ""Cherche La Petite Bête"" allow children to learn while having fun.
The abbey and its incredible art collection !
The monastery buildings (church, cloister, chapter house, refectory, dormitory, abbot’s house) and the gardens are all revealed in the course of the visit.
During your visit, you will discover an exceptional collection of masterpieces by artists from 16th to 20th centuries (Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Braque, Tiepolo, Rubens, Courbet, Rodin...) on an amazing journey through European artistic movements. Temporary exhibitions and workshops are also scheduled, so don’t hesitate to check the Abbey programme.
A visitor says : « We have been here twice : once to take part in a medieval cookery workshop with a wonderful, enthusiastic specialist, the second time to see the Abbey and its unbelievable art collection : the Simonow collection which features works by Claudel, Renoir, Monet, Dali, etc. is truly magnificent. The Abbey itself is very impressive. Events (like the cookery workshop and ""the little zoo"") make the place a fun venue for children. Don’t miss it if you are in the region !».
If you’re feeling peckish near the Abbey, the Ferme de Flaran offers traditional Gers dishes based around duck. If you prefer a picnic, you can eat on the grass next to the car park under the lime trees, beside the canal (2 stone tables, no seats) .
You can buy delicious Gers produce at the traditional Wednesday morning market at Valence-sur-Baise.