Abbaye de Belleperche – Musée des Arts de la Table

Property of the Department of Tarn-et-Garonne since 1983, the abbey of Belleperche reveals the charm and the mystery of its vast rooms. Installed in 1143 on the bank of the Garonne, rebuilt on enormous soutain walls in the 13th century, it was one of the three richest Cistercian monasteries in the South. Rebuilt once again in the 18th century, it now offers you its imposing majesty and serves as a setting for the Tableware Museum.

Its permanent exhibition “The table is set” plunges you, from the end of the Middle Ages to the present day, in the rich world, surprising table manners. Through a thousand and one objects, you will discover the evolution of utensils from the simplest to the most sophisticated, how we served, how our ancestors ate, and why you use cutlery and a plate today.

Also enter the permanent exhibition “Sandstone and tea” and set off for China! Learn about its taste for tea, passed down to Europeans, along with related tea drinking items, from the 16th century to the present day.