The Abbey of Vignogoul is located on the town of Pignan, in the Herault, 10 km west of Montpellier.
It was founded in the thirteenth century on the basis of a first priory. The abbey initially rose to the order of Cîteaux and then, dedicated to Our Lady, she welcomed Benedictine nuns.
Architecturally, the abbey has a church consisting of a vessel framed by two side chapels that act as a transept. The high nave of 15 m high on crossed warheads is more than 30 m long.
Protected as historical monuments, the abbey church was remodeled in the 15th century. The buildings are complemented by a food garden and the whole site now seems isolated in the middle of the vineyards.
The nuns left Pignan in the 17th century, due in particular to the insecurity linked to the Wars of Religion, and the community settled in Montpellier.
The site of the abbey becomes after the Revolution a farm and at the beginning of the twentieth century, new communities settle there. An orphanage is established there in 1930.
From now on, the abbey protected as historical monuments still houses an educational center. However, belonging to an association, the abbey is open to the visit and also hosts seminars or family reunions. As for the abbey church, which benefits from good acoustics, concerts are organized during the season.
Free visit all year from Monday to Saturday. Entry: 2 euros. Guided tour from May 1st to July 31st and from September 1st to October 31st on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm by appointment. Price: 4 euros. Information on +33 6 01 73 57 70.
