Spiritual retreats for everyone, wherever you are

A spiritual retreat is a stay, often in an abbey or religious setting, devoted to silence, reflection, and the interior life. It can last a weekend or several days, and can be experienced alone or with others, with or without participation in the community's prayer times. It is an invitation to pause, away from the demands of daily life.

A spiritual retreat is a time set apart to slow down, embrace silence, and find your center again. It offers a chance to step back from your life, reconnect with what truly matters, pray, or simply listen to what is happening within. It is also an opportunity to encounter a religious community and discover monastic life.

Spiritual retreats in abbeys are open to anyone seeking silence, perspective, or inner renewal. Whether you are a believer, on a spiritual search, or simply looking to step away from your usual pace, abbeys welcome people from all walks of life. There is no need to have made a retreat before or to be familiar with monastic life.

No. Participation in the religious offices is always optional. Some people choose to attend in order to experience the monastic rhythm or enrich their prayer life, while others prefer to live their retreat in silence and solitude. Each abbey outlines its own practices, and everyone is free to experience the retreat at their own pace.

Most abbey retreats operate on the basis of a free-will offering or a suggested nightly rate covering accommodation and meals. Costs are generally affordable and vary by location. Money should not be a barrier: if you are facing financial difficulty, it is often possible to speak directly with the community.

For an abbey retreat, pack simple, comfortable clothing, your personal belongings, and perhaps a notebook for writing or meditation. Most abbeys provide bed linen and towels, but some ask you to bring your own. A book, a Bible, or a spiritual text can also be a good companion during times of silence.