What remains of the Salenques abbey today?

Visible remains include the cloister area, the chapter house facade, an older wall reused in the 19th century building, and a vaulted room.

Who founded the Salenques abbey?

It was founded in 1353 by Eleanor of Comminges, mother of Gaston Fébus, and was the only Cistercian abbey in the former county of Foix.

Why did the abbey disappear?

The Wars of Religion led to its destruction in 1574, and the nuns eventually left the site permanently in the 17th century to settle in Toulouse.

Is the château seen today medieval?

No, the current building dates from the 19th century and stands on the site of the former abbey church.

Site des Salenques

Les Bordes-sur-Arize

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Les Bordes-sur-Arize

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Château de la Hille (Hille Castle)Ouverture de Mai à Octobre10 km

Sleep nearby

Site des Salenques stands in Les Bordes-sur-Arize (Ariège), in the Occitanie region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

The Salenques site, in Les Bordes-sur-Arize in the Ariège department, brings together the remains of a 14th century Cistercian abbey, a medieval castle and a parish church, alongside a 19th century château built on the site of the former church. Visible remains include the cloister area, the chapter house facade, an older wall incorporated into the later building, and a vaulted room. Much of the site's history remains buried underground, including medieval and Roman era remains.

Written from Site des Salenques

What to know

The site has been listed as a historic monument since 2006.
It consists mainly of outdoor ruins and remains rather than a fully preserved château open for standard visits.
No verified information is available regarding opening hours, fees or access conditions.
Parts of the ground contain buried archaeological remains, which may affect access to certain areas.

Where this château is

Les Bordes-sur-Arize · Ariège · Occitanie

Map of the area around Site des Salenques

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

09350 Les Bordes-sur-Arize

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA09000017
Period of construction: 14th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

What remains of the Salenques abbey today?: Visible remains include the cloister area, the chapter house facade, an older wall reused in the 19th century building, and a vaulted room.
Who founded the Salenques abbey?: It was founded in 1353 by Eleanor of Comminges, mother of Gaston Fébus, and was the only Cistercian abbey in the former county of Foix.
Why did the abbey disappear?: The Wars of Religion led to its destruction in 1574, and the nuns eventually left the site permanently in the 17th century to settle in Toulouse.
Is the château seen today medieval?: No, the current building dates from the 19th century and stands on the site of the former abbey church.