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Description
Saint-Michel de Granmont Priory, in Saint-Privat (France), May 2015

The order of Grandmont, founded around 1076 and dissolved in 1772, was originally one of the most austere monastic orders of medieval times. Saint-Michel Priory, probably the best preserved monastery of the order, is located in a secluded part of Languedoc, in southern France. Shown here is not the monastery itself, but adjoining buildings dedicated to non-spiritual and sustenance activities.

The view from the tree-shadowed terrace over the green hills of Haut-Languedoc and the weather-beaten stone walls, perhaps not much changed in centuries, made you stop and ponder for a while -- until modern life took over once more, and the yearning for a rustic golden age slowly subsided, leaving only a nostalgic ache and a cherished memory.

Companion piece to : The consolations of stone

Description
Saint-Michel de Granmont Priory, in Saint-Privat (France), May 2015

The order of Grandmont, founded around 1076 and dissolved in 1772, was originally one of the most austere monastic orders of medieval times. Saint-Michel Priory, probably the best preserved monastery of the order, is located in a secluded part of Languedoc, in southern France. Shown here is not the monastery itself, but adjoining buildings dedicated to non-spiritual and sustenance activities.

The view from the tree-shadowed terrace over the green hills of Haut-Languedoc and the weather-beaten stone walls, perhaps not much changed in centuries, made you stop and ponder for a while -- until modern life took over once more, and the yearning for a rustic golden age slowly subsided, leaving only a nostalgic ache and a cherished memory.

Companion piece to : The consolations of stone