Sainte-Berthe Abbey of Blangy-sur-Ternoise

Located in Blangy-sur-Ternoise, in the Pas-de-Calais, Sainte-Berthe Abbey is a privileged place for Christian spiritual retreat. Nestled in the heart of a vast wooded park bordered by the Ternoise river, it offers a peaceful setting conducive to silence,prayer, and inner renewal.

History of Sainte-Berthe Abbey

Origins in the early Middle Ages (7th – 9th century)

The abbey was founded in the 7th century by Saint Berthe, a mother who became a nun. She established a tradition of prayer and spiritual life that would lastingly mark the place. Several abbesses succeeded her until 895, when Norman invasions led to the abandonment of the monastery for more than a century.

A flourishing Benedictine abbey (11th – 18th century)

In 1032, the abbey was entrusted to Benedictine monks who developed a structured religious life there, shaped by prayer and work. This presence continued until the French Revolution, during which the abbey was sold as national property. The conventual buildings were largely destroyed, leaving only the agricultural structures standing.

Renewal and rediscovered spiritual vocation (19th – 20th century)

Over time, the abbey served several purposes: a secular teacher training school in 1877, then a hospice run by religious sisters until 1954. In 1956, a decisive turning point came: the place rediscovered its spiritual vocation thanks to Father Marie-Eugène de l'Enfant-Jésus, founder of the Institut Notre-Dame de Vie. Drawn by the spiritual heritage of Saint Berthe, he established a community there that remains present to this day.

A few days in the countryside, spending time in prayer!

A living community serving spiritual retreat

Today, Sainte-Berthe Abbey is animated by the Institut Notre-Dame de Vie, made up of consecrated lay people and priests. Their life is shaped by daily prayer, including the Liturgy of the Hours and Mass.

The community's mission is to welcome broadly:

individuals alone, families, couples, or groups for spiritual retreats or times of reflection
students during exam preparation periods
young people (scouts, MEJ, mountain bike pilgrimages...) wishing to camp in the park
members of the Institut on renewal stays

The retreats offered are rooted in the spirituality of the Carmel, with an introduction to mental prayer (personal silent prayer) and a deepening of the interior life, in connection with the great spiritual traditions.

Silence holds an essential place in the experience offered.

Whether it's silent prayer or praise, there's something for everyone!

Spiritual retreats and activities offered

Sainte-Berthe Abbey offers several formats of Christian retreat, sometimes with programs led by outside facilitators:

48-hour spiritual retreats (individual or couples)
renewal days (integral ecology, social teaching of the Church...)
recollections (short retreat times)
6-day retreats for priests

Days are organized around:

times of teaching
personal and liturgical prayer
individual spiritual guidance
free time encouraging rest and walking

Some retreats allow for the welcome of young children, with appropriate care provided.

In addition, the abbey welcomes various associations and movements that organize their own retreats, meetings, or training sessions:

Parish and diocesan gatherings
Christian movement for retirees, Franciscan or Dominican fraternities, etc.

What could be better than a getaway in the sun, surrounded by flowers?

Accommodation and hospitality at Sainte-Berthe Abbey

The buildings, arranged around an enclosed inner garden, offer simple and warm hospitality suited to each guest.

Accommodation

52 rooms (97 beds)
single, double, and family rooms
some rooms with private bathroom facilities

Common areas

several dining rooms (seating 4 to 100 people)
home-style kitchen (meals available on site or picnic option)
equipped meeting rooms (up to 120 people)
library with open access

Spiritual spaces

chapel (80 to 100 seats)
oratory for personal prayer

Outdoor spaces

2-hectare wooded park
camping option available (sanitary facilities on site)

Whether you're traveling alone, with family, or with friends, Blangy Abbey warmly welcomes you!

A natural setting conducive to renewal

The abbey is located in the village of Blangy-sur-Ternoise, in the Pas-de-Calais, in the heart of rolling countryside crossed by the Ternoise river.

Many hiking trails allow visitors to fully enjoy the surrounding calm. The site is located between Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise and Hesdin-la-Forêt, in a particularly peaceful rural setting.

Nearby attractions

Just 7 km away, the village of Azincourt is home to an interpretation center dedicated to the famous battle of 1415, a landmark episode of the Hundred Years' War.

Take this opportunity to combine a spiritual retreat with exploring the North!