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All France Valence-sur-Baïse Flaran Abbey

Flaran Abbey

A treasure trove of fine art is hiding inside this small medieval abbey in Gascony.

Valence-sur-Baïse, France

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Sofia Sekkiou
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The abbey entrance.   GO69/cc by-sa 3.0
The abbey in the distance.   SSofia / Atlas Obscura User
Painting by Claude Monet.   SSofia / Atlas Obscura User
Sculpture of the stars.   SSofia / Atlas Obscura User
Sculpture of Atlas.   SSofia / Atlas Obscura User
Interior of the abbey.   SSofia / Atlas Obscura User
In back of the abbey.   SSofia / Atlas Obscura User
The trail to the abbey.   SSofia / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Abbaye de Flaran (Flaran Abbey) was built in 1151, and after over 800 years this well-preserved Cistercian abbey is still standing strong. At first glance, it may appear like any other rural medieval monastery. But step inside and you'll see this place is much more than that.

Pass through the beautiful surrounding garden to enter the abbey and you will find a surprising collection of paintings and sculptures created by some of the most famous artists of European history. There are works by greats such as Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet (the leader of the realism movement), Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Renoir, Peter Paul Rubens, Toulouse Lautrec, and many more besides.

On top of being a centuries-old place of worship, the Flaran Abbey doubles as a magical art museum that transports visitors back in time. What's more, the abbey now serves as a cultural center where new modern works are regularly created and displayed, blending the art of past and present. 

Related Tags

Art Monasteries Religion Paintings Sculptures Medieval Sacred Spaces

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If you want, take a picnic to enjoy in this beautiful setting—and of course, a camera to capture the moment.

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SSofia

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Meg

  • Meg

Published

April 19, 2019

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Flaran Abbey
D142
Valence-sur-Baïse
France
43.890176, 0.373278
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