The churches and abbeys of Languedoc Roussillon, south France

Abbaye de Fontfroide

Founded in the 11th century in Languedoc Roussillon, south France, the abbey has been beautifully restored and houses a superb 13th century cloister of intricately formed gothic arches and columns. The abbey can only be seen on a 1-hour guided tour - which is a pity, as it can be a little tedious (especially when we went in the freeze of winter!) - but the beauty of the place makes it worthwhile. Entrance & tour €5.70.

Combine with: Lunch in Narbonne or the Canal du Midi.

L'Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou

Built in 1001, this beautiful abbey sits on a cliff half-way up Languedoc Roussillon's Pyrénées. It is only accessible by a 40-minute walk up the mountainside, and because the abbey is still in use by nuns and priests, you can only explore it on a silent, guided tour. The views are incredible, and the architecture of the place impressive. Entrance & tour €4.

Combine with: The Priory of Serrabone, Villefranche-le-Confluent or Les Orgues de Roussillon
Read our in-depth report on L'Abbaye de Saint Martin du Canigou. 

Priory of Serrabone

Another of Languedoc Roussillon's beautiful religious monuments, again perched on a hill-top with sheer drops on most sides, the Priory of Serrabone is famous for its unusual design. It's cloistered gallery is very unorthodox, with features in pink marble and a curious inner cloister with a window-less nave. A botanical garden has been developed on the site to showcase the area's most interesting plants. Entrance €1.50.

Combine with: St Martin de Canigou, Villefranche-le-Confluent or Les Orgues de Roussillon
Read our in-depth report on the Priory of Serrabone. 

Narbonne St Just Cathedral

Built in the 13th century as the seat of a powerful Languedoc Roussillon archbishop - the cathedral is a good example of gothic architecture, with its many flying buttresses and slim stained-glass windows.

The building was actually never finished. It sits next to the almost as impressive 'Archbishops Palace' which is also worth a visit - and just in front of a recently revealed and protected portion of the Roman 'Via Domitia' road.

Combine with: The Narbonne indoor market or Narbonne Beach

Mende Cathedral

The cathedral was built in 1368, on the initiative of Urbain V, pope in Avignon. It sits in the middle of this small but pretty Languedoc Roussillon town that feels very much like a tourist resort - especially in summer. The 14th century bridge is also impressive.

Combine with: Le Vallon Du Villaret adventure park for kids