If you fear nuns, this isn't the place for you! This is the real deal…read more
This could be the South of Music Abbey making a buck on wine, beer, jam, oats, books, religious paraphernalia and all sort of touristy kitch. The retail operation is huge with a large store, many nuns working to keep the shelves stocked, sample the wine and "man" the registers. It is beautifully laid-out with organized chaos at every turn.
The nuns were friendly in an all business way but don't ask to take a pic of them. Have no fear, you will find opportunities for pics at every turn. This ancient structure is beautiful and very well maintained.
In all of that will distract you in the retail operation, don't miss the cathedral. It is striking and all too easy to overlook. The entry is surrounded by flowers including roses along the loved walkway.
Parking is roadside so grab any spot you see. Like everyplace we visited on our trip, you will walk.
This wasn't on our planned map but I'm so glad we spotted it on the horizon and took the time to find.