This was on our bike route from St Remy de Provence to Avignon and it was a welcome respite from the hills. We could see its impressive twin spires biking up the windy road and little cylindrical guard-tower looking structures that appeared along the sides of the road indicated that we were getting closer. It's still an actively working church (as well as hotel and restaurant, apparently) and there happened to be a Sunday mass in session when we stopped by. The colorfully painted decorations and elaborate carvings inside the church were really beautiful and the weather was perfect for strolling around the peaceful grounds. There was a large meadow-like park nearby where the worshippers gathered for a post-service picnic. There was also a little store where they sell beer and wine (produced on the premises, I presume) and other goods. Overall a wonderful place for us to take a breather and take in some great art and architecture. STEPH JUDGEMENT: Magnificently decorated still-functioning abbey tucked up in the beautiful hills of southern France. read more

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