Cistercian Abbey of Flaran

The Cistercian Abbey of Flaran is one of the best preserved in the South-West of France.
At the heart of History and Art, come and visit and be surprised by this Cistercian jewel which serves as a showcase for a prestigious collection of works of art.

A true gem, it perfectly illustrates a 12th-century Cistercian complex, remodeled up to the 18th century. The monastic buildings (church, cloister, chapter house, refectory, dormitory, abbot's residence) cover more than 2000m2.
After the cloister and its enclosed garden, the noble eastern façade and the dormitories open onto the historic gardens (Listed in the Supplementary Inventory). Redesigned in the 18th century into "French-style" gardens, with a central pond and "pump building", they provide a moment of pause in the visit.
A garden recreated identically with aromatic and medicinal plants for the monks' pharmacopoeia hosts numerous events and educational activities aimed, in particular, at groups and school groups or those with disabilities (Braille panels).

Marked by historical vicissitudes (Franco-English War, Hundred Years' War, then Wars of Religion...), the site was sold during the Revolution as a National Property.
Following a local and popular mobilization, the abbey was classified as a Historic Monument on August 07, 1914.
In 1972, the Gers department bought it and began a major restoration campaign.

Since 2000, the abbey has housed the Departmental Conservation of Heritage and Museums, a service of the Department of Gers which ensures the scientific management of the department's public museums.

Pivot of the cultural action of the Departmental Council, first visited cultural site of Gers in terms of attendance, the abbey offers many activities all year round. Through a rich and diversified program, these cultural or educational events interest all areas of heritage, from archaeology to contemporary art.

During your visit, you will also discover an exceptional collection of masterpieces by masters from the 16th to the 20th century (Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Braque, Tiepolo, Rubens, Courbet, Rodin...) for a wonderful journey to the heart of European artistic movements.

Discover the "Monks and Nuns" room, a former monk's cell, which invites young and old to share a fun family moment around the Middle Ages and fine arts.
Come and have your portrait "traced" with the module provided for this purpose, dress up in our decor, create your most beautiful creations or even play a game of Who am I? with the paintings from the Simonow collection.
You will also be able to reconstruct the abbey church with our models or discover by touch a tactile case representing a painting from the exhibition. Integrated into the site visit route, this space is freely open to the public.

Theme(s) : historical heritage, religious heritage, abbey.

Groups accepted : from 10 people