Les Mercredis de l'abbaye - Chasse au trésor d'Halloween
Cordes-Tolosannes
Belleperche Abbey, a blend of history and tradition
In its early days, Belleperche Abbey was a place of welcome for travellers and pilgrims. Today, it continues this tradition, opening its doors to visitors from all over the world and housing a unique treasure trove: the Musée des Arts de la Table. Come and discover thousands of objects from all eras, from Europe and China, which bear witness to the importance and richness of culinary practices and sharing rituals.
The abbey sits at the crossroads of country roads and the peaceful meanders of the Garonne.
This Cistercian abbey will win you over with its majestic allure and elegant sobriety.
Belleperche Abbey, a historic jewel at the service of the culinary arts
Located in Cordes-Tolosannes in Tarn-et-Garonne, Belleperche Abbey is an ancient Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century and magnificently rebuilt in the 18th century.
The history of Belleperche began in 1143, when the d'Argombat family donated the estate for the establishment of a monastery. At its height in the 13th century, the abbey was one ofthe largest and richest in the Languedoc, with up to 80 monks.
Over the centuries, the abbey became renowned for its many buildings, and in the 18th century became a popular holiday destination for high society. Gastronomic feasts and banquets were held there, illustrating the habits and customs of the table.
The French Revolution marked the end of Belleperche Abbey, already in decline, with its closure in 1791. After this period, the buildings were transformed into private residences and used as agricultural outbuildings. The abbey's furnishings were scattered throughout the region, but thechurch of Saint Sauveur in Castelsarrasin recovered the most remarkable collection. The choir stalls, organ case and sculpted doors now form an exceptional treasure trove.
Owned by the Tarn-et-Garonne Department since 1983, Belleperche Abbey is now a must-see place wherehistory,architecture and tableware meet.
Walls of graffiti
At Belleperche Abbey, the walls of the stairwell, guesthouse, drawing room and dining room bear a wealth of graffiti. The first dates back to 1756!
Monks, guests, owners and their families, soldiers, refugees, craftsmen and peasants: many have wanted to mark their passing.
Each name, each inscription, tells a story and contributes to the living memory of the abbey.
Belleperche Abbey: a museum, exhibition, show and event venue
The museum of tableware
What is the possible link between abbeys and tableware? Contrary to popular belief, the great abbeys of France and Europe were renowned for their contribution to gastronomy. In fact, they served exceptional dishes at their tables, which are sometimes at the origin of certain traditional dishes.
Belleperche Abbey's vocation as a hotel can still be seen within its walls: reception flats, vast dining rooms, galleries and grand staircases.
With such a heritage, the theme of tableware at Belleperche Abbey takes on its full meaning, and invites us to take a culinary and cultural journey through time and space.
"The table is set
In the abbey, the permanent exhibition "La Table est mise" (The table is set) offers a reconstruction of elegantly laid tables, showing theevolution of table manners through the ages.
The Tarn-et-Garonne department has been adding to its collections since 2002. These pieces, dating from the late Middle Ages to the 21st century, include crockery, glassware, cutlery, utensils and accessories, whether intended for drinking or eating, for everyday use or for festive occasions.
A unique journey, where each room and each object tells a story, but also of culinary refinement.
"Earth and tea
The "Earth and Tea" exhibition presents a collection that is exceptional in the West: several dozen Yixing red stoneware objects linked to the consumption of tea. These pieces, mainly made in China, were intended both for the domestic market and for export to Japan and Europe.
Cultural and artistic events throughout the year
Throughout the year, numerous events, shows and visits are organised: treasure hunts, Murder Parties, picnics and concerts punctuate the season at the abbey.
Not forgetting the Médiévales de Belleperche, a not-to-be-missed event in the Tarn-et-Garonne!
Ideal for families, and most of the time it's free!
L'Abbaye de Belleperche ????
Ancienne abbaye cistercienne bâtie dans un écrin de verdure et surplombant la Garonne, elle renferme actuellement un surprenant Musée des Arts de la Table.
Ce dernier rassemble des pièces remarquables, évoquant les diverses époques de notre histoire. Des tables du Moyen Age à nos jours, ces objets sont mis en scène tout en respectant les codes de leur époque.
Un véritable régal pour les yeux. L'art de bien manger n'aura plus de secrets pour vous !
Chuchoté par Severine
The Belleperche lovers: Alceste and Clémence
In 1827, Clémence Chatinières and Alceste Orliac sealed their passion by engraving their names under hearts surmounted by their initials. Three years later, buoyed by his love and the effervescence of the revolution, Alceste inscribed "Vive la Liberté" in large letters in the middle of the corridor.
The lovers reiterated their presence with an unfinished invocation: "May God grant us...", and a majestic "Gloire aux Amans" that hangs above a door.
In the end, however, Clémence did not marry Alceste, who went into exile in Mauritius out of spite. Before leaving, he engraved these words full of resentment: "Clémence l'infidèle payée par une fidélité éternelle", marking the end of a five-year affair.
The walls of Belleperche preserve the poignant memory of a love that, like graffiti, hoped to defy time!
Visit Belleperche Abbey in Tarn-et-Garonne
Individual visit
Here is all the practical information you need to organise your visit to the abbey.Belleperche Abbey - Table Arts Museum
Contact
121 route De Belleperche
82700 Cordes-Tolosannes
Openning
From 04/03 to 30/04 between 2 pm and 5 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
From 02/05 to 30/09
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm. On Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.
From 01/10 to 28/11 between 2 pm and 5 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
From 01/12 to 28/02, daily.
Group bookings only.
Group visits
Whether you're taking part in a seminar, a works council trip or a day out with your club or association, the Tourist Office can organise a tailor-made tour for your group. The Tourist Office's group department organises tailor-made tours of Belleperche Abbey and the Musée des Arts de la Table.
Discover our "Heritage in tandem" and "from abbey to abbey" day trips to theEspace Firmin Bouisset in Castelsarrasin and the cloister of Moissac Abbey.
Your contact: Marina Koess
05 32 09 69 36
Tourism Pass
Whether you're a visitor, a new resident or just looking for a good deal, you'll find the best of Terres des Confluences on a single card!
With the Tourism Pass, you can take advantage of special offers, reduced rates and much more for sites and activities in the area.
Belleperche Abbey diary
29octobre2025
Cordes-Tolosannes
13décembre2025
