Fontfroide Abbey & garden, Languedoc, South of France

This former monastery, situated 15 km south-west of Narbonne, is now a cultural events site with wine production. You can visit the abbey church, vaulted cloister, chapter house, refectory and a beautifully situated garden, partly terraced, where you’ll want to linger a while – ideal for a picnic. The restaurant was closed when we visited, which made us wish we’d brought a picnic – but we did get to sample some of the estate’s wines, so all was not lost.

Check fontfroide.com for opening hours and cultural events.