If for many, the Mediterranean shores of the Var and Alpes-Maritmes rhyme with sun, beaches and yachts, there is also a discreet yet lively Christian heritage in the region that many visitors might not be aware of. So during this Christmas period, here are four absolutely unique sites you can discover that are quite a contrast from the usual image of the French Riviera.
First is the island of Saint Honorat and its monastery, the abbey of Lerins that has survived for 16 centuries in a beautiful setting. Hidden behind the larger island of St Marguerite visible from Cannes and just 15 minutes by ferry from the old port, you will discover a totally preserved island. Welcoming the visitor in the peaceful shade of pine trees, is the monastery, a single restaurant and vines tendered by the small community of Benedictine monks. If you book ahead, you can actually stay in the monastery, but you will need to respect the rules, such as not talking during meals.
First is the island of Saint Honorat and its monastery, the abbey of Lerins that has survived for 16 centuries in a beautiful setting. Hidden behind the larger island of St Marguerite visible from Cannes and just 15 minutes by ferry from the old port, you will discover a totally preserved island. Welcoming the visitor in the peaceful shade of pine trees, is the monastery, a single restaurant and vines tendered by the small community of Benedictine monks. If you book ahead, you can actually stay in the monastery, but you will need to respect the rules, such as not talking during meals.
The main historic site in the Var close to Aix-en-Provence is Saint Maximin with its 13th century basilica and nearby cave of the Sainte Baume where Mary Magdelene spent the last 30 years of her life as a hermit there. The Saint Baume has been a pilgrimage site since the sarcophagus was found in 1279 that was proclaimed to be the tomb of Mary Magdalene. St. Mary Magdelene is the patron saint of the Var.
Another more recent and active pilgrimage site for families is Cotignac, in the haut Var close to the lake of Sainte Croix. Perched on a hill near the village is the church of Notre Dame des Graces with an incredible 360 degree view overlooking the countryside for 50 miles. It was built after the apparition of Virgin Mary in 1519, and in 1660 a few miles away on the mount Bessillon is the only reported apparition of St Joseph in the world.
Not far from Cotignac is the “jewel” of Cistercian abbeys, Le Thoronet built in the 12th century. Still today you can assist to masses sung in Gregorian, with the unique acoustics provided by the beautiful pure and simple stone architecture.
We wish future house buyers to this region a very happy Christmas, and for the New Year, many more discoveries in the region.
Another more recent and active pilgrimage site for families is Cotignac, in the haut Var close to the lake of Sainte Croix. Perched on a hill near the village is the church of Notre Dame des Graces with an incredible 360 degree view overlooking the countryside for 50 miles. It was built after the apparition of Virgin Mary in 1519, and in 1660 a few miles away on the mount Bessillon is the only reported apparition of St Joseph in the world.
Not far from Cotignac is the “jewel” of Cistercian abbeys, Le Thoronet built in the 12th century. Still today you can assist to masses sung in Gregorian, with the unique acoustics provided by the beautiful pure and simple stone architecture.
We wish future house buyers to this region a very happy Christmas, and for the New Year, many more discoveries in the region.
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