Founded by the Cistercian monks in 1093, Fontfroide Abbey became one of southern France’s most powerful ecclesiastical centres during the Middle Ages. It was heavily damaged during the Revolution, but was purchased in 1908 by the French painter Gustave Fayet and his wife Madeleine, who restored much of the building with the help of their artistic friends. Highlights include the tranquil chapter hall, the refectory and the monks’ dormitory, as well as a rose garden added during the 18th century.
Fontfroide also produces its own wine under the Corbières Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), which you can sample in the on-site wine shop or, better still, in the attractive restaurant, La Table de Fontfroide .
