Le Barroux:
Abbey of Saint Madeleine & Papal Vineyard
Le Barroux : Abbey of Saint Madeleine & Papal Vineyard
Step into the historic and spiritual charm of Le Barroux on this immersive walking tour. Explore the Abbey of Saint Madeleine, a serene monastic site rich in centuries of faith and tradition. Wander through the papal vineyard, where the monks cultivate grapes that have supported sacred rituals for generations. This tour blends history, religion, and natural beauty, offering insights into monastic life, vineyard cultivation, and the spiritual heritage of the region. Whether you are on pilgrimage or simply discovering the stories behind Le Barroux, this experience promises inspiration and reflection at every step.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Abbey of Saint Madeleine, a historic Benedictine monastery renowned for its serene architecture and centuries of monastic tradition.
- Explore the peaceful cloisters and chapels where monks have worshiped for generations, gaining insight into their spiritual life and daily rituals.
- Stroll through the Papal Vineyard, where grapes are carefully cultivated to produce wines that have supported sacred ceremonies for centuries.
- Learn about traditional viticulture practices, the connection between the vineyard and the abbey, and the rich heritage of monastic wine-making.
- Walk the surrounding grounds and admire the panoramic views of the picturesque Provençal landscape, with its rolling hills, olive groves, and cypress-lined paths.
- Pause to reflect in quiet gardens and prayer spaces that have inspired pilgrims and visitors alike.
- Conclude your tour with a moment of meditation or prayer at the abbey, leaving with a deeper appreciation of Le Barroux’s spiritual and cultural legacy, its sacred traditions, and the tranquil beauty of the Papal Vineyard.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions: Experienced tour guide, Entrance to Abbey of Saint Madeleine, Small group experience
Tour Exclusions: Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Le Barroux, optional donations, Entrance Fees
Distance: Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point: Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of the Abbey of Saint Madeleine (Le Barroux, France). Your guide will meet you at the main gate, ready to start your immersive tour of the abbey and the Papal Vineyard. See the Google map for directions.
Le Barroux : Abbey of Saint Madeleine & Papal Vineyard
Step into the serene and spiritual heart of Le Barroux on this immersive walking tour, where history, faith, and tradition meet. Begin your journey at the Abbey of Saint Madeleine, a remarkable Benedictine monastery renowned for its centuries-old architecture and rich religious heritage. Here, you’ll learn about the monks’ daily life, their devotion, and the abbey’s historical significance in the region.
Next, explore the Papal Vineyard, a sacred site once connected to papal history and renowned for its role in the production of ecclesiastical wines. Walk among the vineyards, discovering the traditions, rituals, and stories behind this historic vineyard that has nourished faith and community for generations.
Continue your tour with a stroll through the charming medieval streets of Le Barroux, where every stone and alleyway tells a story of centuries past. Pause to admire panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Mont Ventoux region, offering the perfect backdrop for reflection on the abbey’s spiritual and historical importance.
Along the way, uncover the abbey’s sacred relics, chapels, and gardens, each holding centuries of devotion, prayer, and miraculous accounts. Learn about the abbey’s role in preserving religious traditions and its influence on the local culture and community.
Conclude your tour with a moment of quiet prayer or meditation at the Abbey of Saint Madeleine, leaving with a deeper understanding of Le Barroux’s sacred heritage, its papal connections, and the timeless Benedictine faith that continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
Le Barroux : Abbey of Saint Madeleine & Papal Vineyard
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Provence, France, Le Barroux is a charming village renowned for its rich spiritual heritage and serene landscapes. Pilgrims and travelers are drawn not only by its natural beauty but also by its deep religious significance. Among the most important sites to visit are the Abbey of Saint Madeleine, a centuries-old Benedictine monastery; the Papal Vineyard, historically connected to papal traditions and sacred wine production; and the medieval village streets, where every corner tells a story of faith, devotion, and community. The surrounding hills offer breathtaking views, making it a place of reflection, pilgrimage, and historical discovery.
The Abbey of Saint Madeleine
The centerpiece of Le Barroux is the Abbey of Saint Madeleine, a Benedictine monastery that has preserved centuries of religious tradition. Visitors can explore the abbey’s chapels, cloisters, and sacred relics, learning about the daily life of the monks and the abbey’s spiritual significance. The abbey remains a living center of prayer, hospitality, and cultural heritage, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Papal Vineyard
Adjacent to the abbey lies the historic Papal Vineyard, a site with centuries-old traditions of viticulture linked to the papacy. Stroll through the vineyard and learn how monks cultivated grapes to produce sacred wines for liturgical ceremonies. The vineyard offers a unique insight into the intersection of faith, agriculture, and history, giving visitors a tangible connection to Le Barroux’s enduring spiritual legacy.
Exploring Le Barroux
Walk through the medieval streets of Le Barroux, where the ancient stone houses, quaint squares, and panoramic vistas reflect the village’s historical and religious heritage. Pause to admire the village fortress, perched above the valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Provencal landscape. Along the way, discover local chapels, gardens, and sites of devotion that highlight the community’s faith and cultural identity.
A Pilgrimage Through History and Faith
Le Barroux provides more than just scenic beauty—it is a place where history, faith, and devotion converge. Visitors can immerse themselves in centuries of Benedictine spirituality, witness the sacred traditions of the Papal Vineyard, and reflect on the enduring role of monastic life in shaping local and religious culture. This village offers a timeless journey of faith, history, and inspiration for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a profound spiritual experience.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
- Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
- Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
- Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.
Plan Your Visit to Le Barroux
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and enjoy Le Barroux — a charming Provençal village steeped in faith, history, and French heritage. Travel times are approximate and may vary with schedules and traffic.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Airport Meet & Assist Services
Ensure a smooth arrival or departure with Meet & Assist services at major airports, including Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).
A dedicated assistant will help with luggage, check-in, and security for a stress-free start or end to your journey.
Note: This service is only within the airport.
By Air
Marseille Provence (MRS) – ~180 km | Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) – ~350 km | Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE) – ~350 km
Approx. 2–4 hours by car.
From airports, rent a car or take a train to Montélimar or Orange, then a taxi to Le Barroux.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Stations: Montélimar or Orange (TGV & regional lines)
From Montélimar: ~15 km (~20 min by taxi) | From Orange: ~12 km (~15 min by taxi)
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Drive along the A7 motorway, connecting Marseille, Lyon, and Avignon.
From Montélimar: ~15 km (~20 min) | From Avignon: ~40 km (~50 min)
Free and paid parking available near the abbey and village center.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional bus services connect Le Barroux with Montélimar, Orange, and nearby towns.
Check local timetables before travelling.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Enjoy a direct, comfortable transfer from airports or train stations.
Ideal for small groups or travelers with luggage.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Le Barroux is a small, walkable village.
All main attractions — Abbey of Saint Madeleine, Papal Vineyard, and village streets — are easily accessible on foot.
Where to Stay in Le Barroux
Find the perfect accommodation near the abbey or in the historic village center. Options include boutique hotels, guesthouses, or family-run B&Bs.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Find the Best Local Stays – Book your unique local stays with Homestay 
Experiences & Activities
Make your visit unforgettable — explore nearby cultural, spiritual, and historical treasures, or extend your journey through Provence.
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Be prepared for your visit to Le Barroux: comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and hydration.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance on Safty Wings
Find your local luggage storage on LuggageHero
Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Le Barroux in person, bring a piece of its faith and history into your home.
Discover authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by the abbey and local traditions.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, seasons, or provider updates. Always check current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combine train + local taxi or rental car for the smoothest arrival — a perfect blend of convenience and flexibility.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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- List also other tours near the tour location ( Orvieto, Rome…etc )
Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Le Barroux
Contact us.
Partner with Us
We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.