Le Thoronet is a destination where cultural heritage and outdoor activities can be explored through specific themes: the abbey, classical concerts, a one-way pilgrimage hike and the Argens. When choosing your travel dates, consider whether you would prefer to plan around a concert, a hike lasting several hours or an activity on the river.
Abbey history and concert venues
Le Thoronet Abbey was built between 1160 and 1230. It is listed as a Historic Monument and is one of Provence’s three Cistercian abbeys. Its architecture and acoustics are unique in France. This combination gives the site a clear cultural focus: its architectural history and distinctive architectural and acoustic qualities take centre stage.
Les Musicales de l’abbaye du Thoronet offers another perspective. Founded in 2022, the concert series is devoted to classical music from the Middle Ages to the present day, using the abbey church and cloister as concert venues. While the abbey’s history provides a lasting point of interest for planning a trip, attending a specific concert depends on the individual editions. Check the dates for the relevant programme before your trip.
Hike to the abbey
The Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle leads from the collegiate church in Lorgues to Le Thoronet Abbey. This one-way hike is 14 kilometres long and is listed as taking four hours. The pilgrimage route passes through the wooded hills of the Argens Valley. Its length and estimated duration help you gauge how much time to allow and distinguish it from a short walk. As the start and finish are in different places, plan both your journey to the starting point in Lorgues and how you will get back. Check the route conditions before setting out.
You can also plan to drive to the abbey: from exit 35 on the A8, Le Cannet-des-Maures–Le Luc, follow the D79; it takes less than 15 minutes from the motorway exit. This estimate applies to the drive from the exit, while the hike is a separate four-hour route option. Road conditions and restrictions may change; check them before setting off.
The Argens and a cultural route
The Argens runs through Le Thoronet for 26 kilometres; you can explore the river landscape by canoe or kayak. This offers another kind of activity alongside the hike: a route on foot through the wooded hills or an exploration of the river landscape on the water. Check local operating conditions for canoeing and kayaking before making plans.
Le Thoronet is also a stop on the Var Monasteries tourist circuit, a route focused on culture and heritage. If you would like to include the circuit in your travel plans, check its current details, as the route may be updated. La Guilde des Vignerons, with its cooperative winery in Le Thoronet, offers another local point of interest. If you plan to visit, check the opening arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Forcalqueiret, Vins-Sur-Caramy, Callas, Vidauban, Cavalaire-Sur-Mer, Montferrat, Sillans-La Cascade, Salernes.
For the broader travel overview: Var.
