FLARAN ABBEY

Founded in 1151 in the Baïse valley, Flaran Abbey is one of the best-preserved abbeys in south-western France. The monastic buildings and gardens, set in parkland and unspoilt natural surroundings on the banks of the Baïse, are a perfect illustration of a ^12th-century Cistercian complex that was redesigned right up to the ^18th century. Marked by the vicissitudes of history, sold during the Revolution and practically dismantled at the beginning of the ^20th century, the site was bought by the Gers department in 1970, which began an intensive restoration campaign in the 1980s. Since 2000, Flaran Abbey has been home to the departmental heritage and museum conservation service. Throughout the year, the museum develops a wide range of cultural activities, with a rich program that includes all art forms, and particularly photography, with a number of thematic exhibitions. Open all year round and very popular, the abbey has been awarded the "Grand Site Armagnac, Abbaye et cités" label by the Occitanie region since 2011. It has thus become a cultural and heritage reference. Since July 2004, Flaran Abbey has also been home to an exceptional collection of original works by renowned artists, representative of European art from the ^16th to the ^21st century, deposited by Mr. Simonow, the owner. These works are displayed on a semi-permanent basis, as well as in remarkable temporary exhibitions, thus contributing to the abbey's reputation.