L'Ancien Monastère Botanical Garden

A botanical garden within the Ancient Monastery of Sainte Croix walled park with more than 300 species of plants (lavenders, thyme...)

The study of plants is part and parcel of the history of the Monastery : settled from the 12th to the 17th Century, monks from the order of Saint-Antoine were renown for their use of plants for medicinal use. They were also famous for their work on what was then called 'the fire of Saint-Antoine': a type of poisoning due to the ergot fungi on rye crops.

Echoing the history of the site, the ethno-botanical garden highlights the relationships between humans and plants in its historic, ethnological and botanical dimensions.

In the botanical garden plant beds are organised according to various classifications:
Botanical, by family: apiaceae, asteraceae, lamiaceae, papaveraceae
Rosaceae, by genus: sage, lavender, thyme, mints, artemisia
Ethnographical: showing local traditional use
Dietary: edible vegetable, condiments, small fruits, cereals
Medicinal: purgative, healing, calming, for the respiratory system, gynecological

The garden is maintained and developed by Lise-May Viment, the appointed gardener and associate partner of the Monastery, Woofers and volunteers from the valley.

Don't hesitate to ask for the walking guide at the Monastery's reception desk. It includes suggested trails through the 2ha park and presents local plants and birds. The site has been awarded the LPO label for its contribution to biodiversity.
The garden is watered with rainwater.

Please support the Botanical Garden by giving what you want in the little piggy bank / birdhouse located at the front desk of the Monastère.

For guided visits and workshops led by Lise-May Viment; please call 06 71 83 98 14. A dedicated page is available for more information.

To ensure the visit of the garden remains a pleasant experience for all please:
Do not gather flowers of plants
No dog fouling
Do not leave detritus on site
Stay on the path
But feel free to smell, take pictures, meditate or practice yoga