Le Monastier de Vagnas
Ruins of a Benedictine priory founded in the 10th century, abandoned at the end of the 13th century, excavated for 17 years by SERHAV volunteers.
Le Monastier was a Benedictine priory, of which only the ruins remain. Founded by Viscount Maubert, it was rebuilt several times in Romanesque and Gothic styles. It was undoubtedly the site of an important pilgrimage, as evidenced by an altar table with a rim covered in devotional graffiti and the large necropolis that surrounded it. Urbain Thévenon, a former village teacher and archaeology enthusiast, led 17 years of excavations there from 1962 onwards, founding SERHAV (Société d'Histoire et de Recherches Historiques et Archéologiques de Vagnas), a learned society that is a benchmark in our region, but which disappeared in 1992. Today, the site is maintained by volunteers from the Friends of the Vagnas Medieval Museum association. The site is freely accessible, but is partly on private land. Follow the instructions on the information board located on the site.
The Medieval Museum “The Time of Vagnas”, located in the centre of the village, displays the exceptional artefacts discovered during the excavations.
Equipments / Services
- Pets allowed
Opening / Rates
All year round, daily.
Free of charge.
