This fine old Cistercian abbey is located in forested hills between Draguignan and Brignoles, just below the Argens river. In spite of its isolated location, it's easy to get to: only 13 km northeast of the A8 autoroute and the N7 highway.

Three Cistercian abbeys called the Three Provençal Sisters of Provence were founded in the 12th century: Senanque Abbey, Thoronet Abbey and Silvacane Abbey. Thoronet was the second of the Three Provençal Sisters.

There's an entrance fee to visit, which allows you to roam freely inside or join a guided tour. The abbey is all stone, and includes a church, adjoining chapter house, dormitory and store room, and cloisters. The church is built of stone blocks, cut and assembled by hand, without the use of cement or mortar.