Wine tasting at Valmagne Abbey

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or the ideal wine to pair with your Christmas dinner, you’re sure to make a wonderful discovery this winter in the Thau Archipelago thanks to the wine tasting at Valmagne Abbey, preceded by a tour of this listed historic monument. And if you’re still undecided, let us convince you with our article dedicated to this unmissable stop on our itinerary!

Updated on 15 June 2026

A little history

Founded in 1139, Valmagne Abbey has much to boast about: “one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France”; “one of the best-preserved examples of Cistercian art”; “one of the oldest vineyards in Languedoc”; “the cathedral of wines”…

What makes it so rich, above all, is its history, traces of which can be found in its 29-metre-high central nave, in its nine chapels, in its Romanesque cloister and in the paths of its medieval garden. Its wine-growing heritage, meanwhile, is revealed in the abbey’s wine cellars, its vineyard conservatory and its tasting cellar.

Today, Thomas, Eleonor and Roland d’Allaines carry on a history and expertise that has been in their family for nine generations!

Discover the monument

The visit

To make sure you don’t miss any of the building’s hidden corners or the fascinating stories behind each room, why not take a guided tour ofValmagne Abbey with one of our guides? For an hour, you’ll travel back in time—more specifically, through the history of this listed monument and that of the family who owned it.

At any time of day during the abbey’s opening hours, opt for a self-guided tour to set your own pace. Your route will be marked by information panels throughout. You’ll also have the option of taking an audio guide or downloading two free apps to learn more about the abbey’s history (izi.travel) and the biodiversity of the gardens (explorama).

Self-guided or guided tour – the choice is yours when exploring Valmagne Abbey!

Tasting

At the end of your visit toValmagne Abbey, don’t miss the complimentary wine tasting… The perfect way to put into practice what you’ve learnt throughout your journey through time. You’ll be welcomed in the tasting cellar to choose from a range of white, red and rosé wines produced across three different terroirs:

IGPs from silty/clay-limestone soils, producing fruity wines. Languedoc AOPs from limestone hillside soils, producing more structured, easy-drinking and aromatic wines.
Languedoc Grès de Montpellier AOPs, producing wines of great finesse and with excellent ageing potential.

Over the course of about 30 minutes, you will learn to distinguish all the possible colours, as well as how this vineyard, established in 1139 and comprising 35 hectares cultivated organically with biodynamic influences since 1999, produces such a diversity of terroirs all around the abbey. Don’t miss the wine workshops held regularly with members of the d’Allaines family, who manage the Valmagne Abbey vineyard.

Wine tasting at Valmagne Abbey

What you need to know

Valmagne Abbey is about more than just its history and wines… It also produces craft, top-fermented beers, as well as other spirits and liqueurs made from wine. There is also a shop selling wines, books and monastic products, and a restaurant.

After your tour and tasting, head to the Valmagne Abbey farmhouse inn to discover gourmet cuisine made from vegetables from the kitchen garden and meat from local producers, all homemade and, of course, accompanied by the estate’s wines.

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