Saint-Martin-du-Canigou

The abbey was founded in 1009 on a rock spur at around a thousand metres on the flank of Canigou, with cliffs on three sides and one narrow approach. It is early Romanesque, two churches stacked one above the other with a small cloister on the edge of the drop, built when the style was still being worked out in Catalonia. Abandoned after the Revolution and left in ruin, it was restored from 1902 under the bishop of Perpignan and again in the 1950s. A religious community lives there now, which is why the visit is guided and silence is asked for. The only way up is a steep walk of about forty-five minutes.

What you actually see

• The stacked churches - two early Romanesque churches one above the other.
• The cliff-edge cloister - a small cloister on the lip of the drop.
• The spur setting - the abbey on a rock with cliffs on three sides.
• The mountain view - the Cady valley and Canigou above.

When to go

May to October; the walk up is steep and hot in summer, so early morning is better. The abbey closes some winter periods and to visitors during retreats.

Honest expectations

There is no vehicle access; the forty-five minute climb is the only way, and it is steep. Visits are guided at set times and the community asks for silence. Numbers per tour are limited.

Nearby

Canigou rises above; Villefranche-de-Conflent lies north.