Cloister - Fréjus Tourist Office

In medieval times, the cloister of Fréjus Cathedral became an emblematic place, symbolizing the spiritual life and religious fervor of the city. Thus, in the 11th century, the canons, surrounding the bishop and led by a provost, formed a true religious stronghold. However, after tensions with the bishop in the 12th century, they settled around the cathedral. From that moment on, they developed this cloister, which became their space for prayer and gathering.

A journey to the heart of the cloister of Fréjus: history, art and spirituality

In the 14th century, a carved larch roof replaced the originally planned heavy stone vault. This unique ceiling attracts attention with its fantastical creatures, saints and scenes of daily life. These motifs offer a fascinating view of the medieval imagination. Among them, the fleur-de-lis, symbol of Charles of Anjou, recalls Fréjus' attachment to the Provençal crown and the history of France.

The cloister galleries, with their columns of Carrara and Genoa marble, bear witness to the commercial exchanges between Fréjus and these cities, linking the town to a vast Mediterranean network.

To the south, the chapter house where the canons deliberated overlooks the cloister, affirming the authority and organization of this religious life.

The Cloister of Fréjus: Resilience and Restoration Through the Centuries

Over the centuries, the cloister has endured the ravages of the Revolution and modern transformations. Sold as national property, it was classified as a Historic Monument in 1875.

Restored at the beginning of the 20th century by Jules-Camille Formigé, it preserves the old well, a relic of a Roman cistern, as well as the elegant double staircase.

The 2008 renovations restored the cloister's splendor. This jewel of Fréjus medieval art now fully reveals its architectural and spiritual heritage.

Today, it is revealed to visitors, bearing witness to a time when Fréjus, far from its Roman past, became an oasis of faith and devotion.

The sculpted roof of the 14th century

a journey into the medieval imagination

In the 14th century, a carved larch roof replaced the originally planned heavy stone vault. This change created a unique ceiling. Fantastic creatures, saints and scenes from everyday life captivate the eye, offering a fascinating view of the medieval imagination.

Among these motifs, the fleur-de-lis, symbol of Charles of Anjou, recalls Fréjus' attachment to the Provençal crown and to the history of France.

Thus, the cloister of Fréjus contains painted ceilings from the 14th century, a unique treasure in France.

This medieval masterpiece consists of about 300 wooden planks, called joists, inserted between the joists. Originally, the ceiling had more than 1 joists. Despite the passage of time, the remaining fragments reveal a fascinating visual universe.

These ceilings immerse you in the rich imagination of the Middle Ages. Each closure becomes a window onto daily life and medieval beliefs.

Indeed, scenes of war, religion, representations of professions, musical motifs, as well as an astonishing bestiary populated with fantastic and real animals rub shoulders.

These images, executed with remarkable vivacity, tell visual stories. Their narrative style, without text, recalls comic strips.

The larch wood frame, dating from the 1350s, bears witness to Mediterranean artistic influence. It evokes the painted ceilings of the great Gothic works of southern Europe, such as those of the Teruel Cathedral in Spain.

Thanks to a recent illumination, these restored closures are revealed in a new light. Visitors can now explore their hidden details without the constraints of old lighting.

The cloister of Fréjus Cathedral invites you on a journey through medieval art and myths. It also offers guided tours for the more curious to uncover the mysteries of this exceptional heritage.

By taking advantage of this discovery, you will immerse yourself in the world of artisans of yesteryear. You will thus be able to understand the materials and pigments used.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop. You will experience the technique of 14th century painter-imagers.

Visiting the cloister of Fréjus was an incredible experience. The painted ceilings are fascinating, each painting tells a different story. It is a journey through time that allowed me to discover medieval art from a new angle. A peaceful place full of history.

Claude, an enchanted Parisian visitor

Opening times

Periods	Schedule
From April 28 to August 31	Open from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
September 1 to April 27	Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and 14:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and May 1st.

Last access to the site 30 minutes before closing. Closed on 1^erJanuary, 1^er May, 1^er and November 11, December 25. On December 24 and 31, the monument closes its doors at 16 p.m.

Admission fees

Categories	Admission fees
Individual rate	€7
Special rates (partnerships)	5€50
free	Under 18 / 18-25 years old (nationals of European Union countries and regular non-European residents on French territory) Disabled person and their companion Job seeker (upon presentation of a certificate of less than 6 months) Education pass (valid) The first Sunday of the months of January, February, March, November and December

All the information about the cloister

How to reach the Fréjus cloister?

The cloister is located in the heart of the city center, within walking distance of the main tourist sites. The Saint-Léonce Cathedral is one of the closest.

From the train station, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk there. If you prefer public transport, there are several bus lines that serve the historic center.

Parking is also available nearby for those who come by car. Finally, follow the signs to discover this magnificent architectural ensemble.

Why visit this cloister?

The painted ceilings of the Fréjus cloister are a unique masterpiece in France. Composed of 300 carved wooden closures, they tell scenes from medieval life.

These scenes combine fantastic animals, war, religion and professions. Their narrative style, without text, evokes that of comic strips.

Thus, these ceilings offer a fascinating dive into the medieval imagination. These artistic treasures reveal all their beauty and detail.

Finally, they bear witness to the Mediterranean influence of the time.

Open. Closes at 18:00 p.m.

Cloister of the Cathedral

58 rue de Fleury

83600 Fréjus

04 94 51 26 30

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