Village de Ganagobie

The name Ganagobie comes from the occitan cana « reed » combined to the adjective gòbia « bent » that reffers to a bent tower. Another interpretation could reffered to the source of the moutain.

This Cluniac monastery was built near the 10th century at 650m of height on the hills between Durance River and the plateau of Ganagobie. On this green site, the monastery is held by Benedictine monks (free visit from 3 to 5 pm, except on monday).

The church of the monastery
The church was built during the 10th century. We can admire the church porch and its wonderful tympanum. The 12th century’s mosaics at the base of the alter cover 72m² and is a unique piece in France for its dimensions and artistic quality (free visit every day from 3pm to 5pm, except on monday). By walking around the plateau, you will discover the ruins of Villevieille village, probably remains of the 7th century. We suppose that the plateau was inhabited from the Prehistory.

The Cloister of Ganagobie
Since 1992, the walls of the monastery have been rebuilt and the Benedictines of Hautecombe live a monastic life (in the spirit of Saint Benoit and Dom Guéranger). For the cluniac monks, praying and working the land, the rocks, the stained-glass window, the paintings or the illumination were great ways to transfigure the world, make it look closer to God, to reconcile the world with Him.