Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage

Located in the Vallée du Gier, between Lyon and Saint-Étienne, Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage is the motherhouse of the Marist Brothers. A true haven of peace in a lush and tree-lined valley, the Marist Brothers welcome you for a spiritual retreat in the rhythm of community life.

Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage: a unique place for a spiritual retreat in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Founded between 1824 and 1825 by Marcellin Champagnat, Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage is today a landmark destination for a spiritual retreat or a Christian retreat in the Loire, at the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Nestled in a natural setting, close to the Parc naturel régional du Pilat, this place invites everyone to pause, find renewal, and rediscover meaning in a peaceful and inspiring environment.

An international Marist community dedicated to hospitality

The community of Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage is made up of eight Marist Brothers from different countries (Brazil, Madagascar, Congo, Spain). It carries on the tradition of the congregation founded by Marcellin Champagnat, dedicated to the education and accompaniment of young people.

Today, their primary mission is welcoming everyone:

• Marist groups (pilgrimages, formation programs, school groups),
• Christian groups (parishes, Alpha courses, Teams of Our Lady…),
• associations,families, and individuals,
• businesses wishing to organize a meaningful seminar.

The community is supported by volunteers and a dedicated paid staff team for the guest house.

Prayer, and in particular the Eucharist, shapes the Brothers' daily life.

Living a spiritual retreat at Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage

Open to all, believers and non-believers alike, Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage welcomes anyone seeking calm, reflection, or renewal.

During their stay, guests may:

• join the community for the Offices
• enjoy times of personal prayer and recollection
• share convivial moments with the Brothers
• enjoy a natural environment conducive to silence

Each retreatant is free to experience their spiritual retreat at their own pace, in complete simplicity.

Comfortable accommodation for a peaceful Christian retreat

Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage has several buildings suited to welcoming guests:

• The main building: reception, restaurant, conference room (150 seats), meeting rooms, and a shop
• The "Le Rocher" building: 31 rooms (single, double, twin, triple, and accessible rooms for people with reduced mobility)
• The historic "Champagnat" building: chapel, oratories, museum spaces, and meeting rooms

All rooms have a private bathroom. Bed linen and towels are provided, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Visitors can choose from several options:

• full board
• half board
• bed and breakfast
• room only

An ideal location in the Loire, between nature and major cities

Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage is located on the outskirts of Saint-Chamond, in the Loire, just:

• 15 km from Saint-Étienne
• 55 km from Lyon

Easily accessible by train(Saint-Étienne – Lyon line), the site enjoys a privileged location at the gateway to the Parc naturel régional du Pilat.

The property covers nearly 14 hectares, crossed by the Gier river, offering a natural setting ideal for relaxation and meditation.

Activities and discoveries around l'Hermitage

Visitors can enjoy many points of interest nearby.

Nature

• hiking in the Pilat
• cross-country skiing in season
• walks in the countryside

Culture

• Saint-Étienne: the Mining Museum, Le Corbusier heritage, Musée des Verts
• Lyon: Vieux Lyon, the basilica of Fourvière, numerous museums