Sainte Claire Monastery of Cormontreuil

Located at the gateway to Reims, Sainte-Claire Monastery of Cormontreuil welcomes anyone seeking silence, peace and renewal.

In a simple and peaceful setting, the Poor Clare sisters offer the opportunity to experience a spiritual retreat in Reims, shaped by communal prayer and times of solitude.

History of Sainte-Claire Monastery of Reims

The Poor Clares, a contemplative order founded by Saint Clare of Assisi, have been present in Reims for over 800 years. As early as 1220, Sister Marie de Braye and a few companions, sent by Saint Clare herself, settled near the cathedral then under construction.

This monastery is thus the first Poor Clare monastery in France, founded only a few years after Saint Clare's beginnings in Assisi, in close connection with Saint Francis.

Over the centuries, the community has passed through defining moments: a fire in the 15th century, the miraculous healing of a sister afflicted with leprosy, changes in the Rule, and closure during the French Revolution...

Refounded in 1933 in Tinqueux, the community moved in 2000 to Cormontreuil, into modern buildings designed to reflect Franciscan spirituality: simplicity, fraternity and joy.

A contemplative community rooted in Franciscan spirituality

The community lives according to the Rule of Saint Clare, the first monastic Rule written by a woman and approved by the Church.

Inspired by Saint Francis and Saint Clare, the sisters cultivate a spirit of:

• fraternity
• simplicity
• poverty
• joy

They gather several times a day for communal prayer.

Committed to the "green monastery" initiative, the community pays particular attention to creation and integral ecology.

Spiritual retreat in Reims: hospitality and activities offered

True to the Franciscan spirit, the guest house is open to all.

Guests can experience their Christian retreat in the Marne according to their own needs:

• participation in communal prayer
• times of solitude
• meals shared together or taken in silence
• a meeting with a sister
• time for reading or walking

This setting fosters genuine inner peace, thanks in particular to the atmosphere of calm that pervades the monastery.

Accommodation at Sainte-Claire Monastery

The guest house offers:

• around twenty rooms (mainly single)
• approximately 30 places in total
• accommodation for individuals or groups
• possibility of hosting students during exam revision periods

The single-story buildings are accessible to people with reduced mobility.

On site:

• an oratory accessible at all hours
• a library
• a garden with rest areas
• 3 meeting rooms (one of which is equipped)

Meals are prepared by a caterer. Sheets and towels can be provided on request.

Between city and nature

The monastery is located in Cormontreuil, just outside Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region.

The surrounding area offers many possibilities:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims
• basilique Saint-Remi
• Palais du Tau
• chapelle Fujita
• Champagne cellars
• Reims Mountain natural park
• forêt des Faux de Verzy

The monastery is also located along the Via Francigena and the Way of Saint James, regularly welcoming pilgrims.