This is the 'monastery' that is one of the main draws for visitors to the mountain top village of Saorge. It was established in 1633 by a small French branch of the Franciscans known as 'Récollects', as small convent on the edge of the village. The tourist board list it as a monastery but his type of 'convent' was different in that the Franciscans did not isolate themselves but were very much a part of the local community. The current convent buildings and the church,dedicated to Notre-Dame-des-Miracles, were finished sometime around 1662 with the help of donations from the villagers.
The convent has had a fairly turbulent history (which you can read about here) but today has returned to its tranquil past with the upper level serving as a retreat for writers,composers and more.
It is the lower level of the monastery that is currently open to the public.
It would have been interesting to check out the accommodation currently offered compared to what the previous residents were used to.
Loved the view behind the altar - almost like a stage set!
The refectory, used as the monks dining room, is decorated with five 17th century frescoes which represent the three Franciscan virtues of poverty, chastity and obedience. Much of what they ate here would have come from their own gardens.
You can understand why when searching for peace (or so they thought) and tranquility, they chose this location.
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