Flaran Abbey

A visit to the 'Abbaye de Flaran' is definitely worth the trip. This abbey was founded by the monks of Escaladieu in 1151. The monastery is one of the best-preserved abbeys in the southwest of France. The monastery buildings and gardens are set in a beautiful park, providing a stunning example of a Cistercian monastery from the 12th century. On one of the floors, you will find an impressive private art collection by Simonow, consisting of works by world-famous artists such as Braque, Cézanne, Chagall, Courbet, Delacroix, Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Rodin, Rubens, Tiepolo, Toulouse-Lautrec, and others. Michael Simonow started collecting as early as 1964 at the age of 18. Since 2002, his prestigious collection has been on loan to the Abbey of Flaran.

Furthermore, it is very nice to walk through the corridors of the monastery, to soak in the tranquil atmosphere in the church, and to admire the garden; it truly gives you an idea of how the monks lived here in the past.

The Abbey of Flaran permanently houses the special 'Simonow' Collection, featuring around 100 extraordinary artworks from the 17th to the 20th century. The collection

Yvan Vandamme