Description

This monastery could have an outstanding reputation like the Three Sisters of Thoronet, Silvacane and Sénanque. But the historical course is not happy from the beginning. It was founded in 1180 by monks from Silvacane. Although initially successful with agriculture and glazing, the monastery hits troubles from the 14th century: the Black Death (the plague) comes up from Marseille quite quickly and wandering mercenaries plunder the area. In 1425 the monastery went bankrupt and the remaining monks fled back to Silvacane.

The monastery bears the name of a valley (Val...), but today it is on a hill. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, but right here. 1672 monks come back. But a century later, the French Revolution is suspicious of anything religious. The monks are evicted, the buildings are converted into a farm, but the facility falls into disrepair rather quickly and is abandoned. The monastic life thus ends forever.

Since 1996, the ATHRE association (Art, Tradition, History, Research, Environment) has been working on the restoration of the site. The church has been restored, but people also come here for the new and beautiful garden. It is arranged following flower colors. Below is a section for plants that prefer drought.

The association also breeds rose varieties, around a hundred different varieties can be purchased as seedlings.

Boulinette

The hamlet of the monastery is called Boulinette, which could literally be translated as little ball. The name comes from rock shapes that look like giant pills. They remain when the remaining rock has eroded away. You can see them next to the road when you walk from the parking lot to the entrance.

Access by public transport

There is no viable public transport connection to the monastery.

Access by car

We are north of the Forcalquier to Apt axis. More specifically, Boulinette is located between Céreste and Banon and south-east of Simiane-la-Rotonde.

Coming from the south and from Céreste, first take the D33 towards Viens, then the D155/D201 towards Oppedette. After the small village, continue north and after four kilometres turn left towards The Rotunda of Simiane. 250 meters further left again and now we are on the road that leads to the monastery.

Parking site

The access road and the one to the left serve as a parking lot.

Access by short walk

The former monastery complex is straight ahead.

Admission for an adult was EUR8,- in 2022. A combined ticket with The Rotunda of Simiane (10 minutes by car from Valsaintes) at EUR10,- is offered. Open all year round only in the afternoon except January.