SAN FRANCISCO PARK
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A great opportunity to take a stroll to the abbey, with sublime views of the surrounding countryside and lush nature.
At the end of the 18th century, the marquis of Albertas created a garden and park in his lordship of Gémenos. In a valley protected from the wind and well watered by a stream from a spring, he developed a picturesque park in English way. The microclimate of the site will lead to a profusion of lush plant species. On 758 hectares, only 52 hectares are now located near the remains of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1205. Lady Garcende set up a religious community of women and in 1223, this monastery of monials will be elevated to the rank of abbey and integrated into the Cistercian order. Thanks to the work of the abbesses, the energy provided by a perennial water source allowed the first industrial activity to be established on this site. The church, abandoned in 1407, belongs to the regional council which has completely restored it.
Once parked in the parking lot, cross the river by wooden pontoons and start the climbing in the forest of Saint-Pons. You'll see fountains, springs, waterfalls. The walk is very refreshing, even in summer when it is very hot since the shadows is not lacking. After twenty minutes along the canal, you will reach an old water mill where you can find some explanations about its use of ancient times. From the mill, two walks are available to you: one to the abbey (10 minutes quiet) or one to the highest point of the Massif de la Sainte-Baume (2h30 of walk) which offers a sublime view of the surrounding area. Place prohibited for dogs and bicycles. La Maison du Parc will inform you at the beginning of the course on possible walks as well as the lush nature that you will have the opportunity to appreciate.
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The Saint Pons Park is 3 miles to Plan Aups.
Access is from the town of Géménos, by a spire trail. Free parking is available for walkers.
The many trees allow you to be parked in the shade in order to cover its fresh car, but the first to best served.
Once parked, you then head towards the forest, easily identifiable thanks to the mountain dominates, the massif of the hagia Balm.
Already, you can see a river, you pass by bridge made of wood.
Once inside a barrier bringing to the Tourist Office, they start the rise in the forest of Saint-Pons.
Fountains, sources, waterfalls... water accompanies us throughout the course. In some places, you can get close to the water to admire its clear.
A little further, from the barriers wooden protect adventurers from the danger waterfalls.
After a 20 minute climb along the canal, you arrive at the mill, in the past in activity, it allows today to be located in this forest and explain the youngest functioning of a water mill.
Signs various paths to be borrowed: from 5 minutes to reach the abbey at 2:20 to the highest point of the massif of Sainte-Baume.
Along the course, benches are available to relax and admire the landscape. A feeling of serene surroundings invades us in this setting at the same time so picturesque and preserved so well.
5 minutes later, we reach the Cistercian abbey.
This magnificent abbey was founded in 1205 but has a Renaissance façade dating from the 16th century. It was the witness many historical events: acquisitions, gifts, exchange of land, wars, the plague.
Now owned by the General Council, you can visit it during the Heritage Days, and on request for groups. Many concerts are held here in the summer months.