Enjoy a time of rest in an exceptional setting
In this article
Taking a spiritual retreat in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. 3 words that faithfully describe this region. Between the peaks of dormant Auvergne volcanoes, the Savoyard mountain passes, and the Rhône valley opening toward Provence, you'll surely find a retreat location that suits you.
Yes, but here's the thing. How do you choose? Because at RITRIT our goal is for you to find YOUR place, we've prepared a little guide. This small directory of places in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes should help you find the perfect spot for a spiritual pause far from the tumult of daily life.
Alright, let's go, we'll introduce you to the best abbeys and addresses in the area!
Chantelle Abbey, (Chantelle, 03140)
We start this article with Chantelle Abbey and its Benedictine sisters. They welcome you in the heart of Allier.
Come pray with them during one of the 7 daily offices. Established in a medieval village, with beautiful flowering gardens and just steps from the Bouble gorges, the sisters of Chantelle will welcome you with pleasure.
For beauty-conscious folks: The sisters produce certified monastic cosmetic products themselves.
Randol Abbey (Cournols, 63450)
Members of the Solesmes congregation and also heirs of Fontgombault, the monks of Randol welcome you to this unique location in the heart of Auvergne's volcanoes.
The Puy de Dôme is accessible in 3 hours on foot, and the monks, settled in the countryside, produce their own delicious cheese. Silence, prayer, nature, there's plenty to satisfy you.
Taulignan Abbey (Taulignan, 26770)
Taulignan.
To be honest, it's a bit of a favorite for this article's author, himself from the Drôme region.
The setting is very simple. Near the Baronnies Provençales, Dominican sisters welcome you amid lavender fields to share their life of prayer and contemplation.
The herbalist sisters have committed to an integral ecology approach and will gladly share their knowledge. We've included below a video made by a retreatant who stayed there.
Aiguebelle Abbey, Our Lady of Aiguebelle (Montjoyer, 26230)
Aiguebelle Abbey dates from 1137!
Nearly 900 years of history animate this living place in the Drôme Provençale. The Trappists of Aiguebelle welcome you to their guest house, to share with them a simple life, turned toward prayer and manual work.
The monks live from lavender cultivation, their honey, and of course the production of Aiguebelle syrup! The library, large garden, and old stones will delight people seeking a resting place steeped in history.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Help ( Lablachère, 07230)
At the foot of the Cévennes lies the Marian sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Help, which has housed a basilica since 1930!
There, sisters of the Community of the Presentation of Mary were called to welcome pilgrims and spiritually animate the place. They welcome you for short stays where you can live at your own pace while being in contact with the sisters.
Missionary Family of Our Lady - Saint-Pierre-de-Colombier ( Saint-Pierre de Colombier, 07450)
« Notre-Dame des Neiges, Ô Vierge immaculée, première de cordée, aidez-nous à monter ! » .
This is the motto of the brothers and sisters of the Missionary Family of Our Lady established in the heart of Ardèche. These religious have given themselves the mission of training everyone whatever their age to advance in rope-team spirituality ! Hospitality is at the heart of their vocation and the brothers and sisters organize many preached retreats!
Champagne Abbey (Champagne, 07340)
The abbey of Champagne is located between Lyon and Valence, as its name doesn't suggest.
Situated in a small Ardèche village, the Canons of Saint Victor will welcome you for a time of retreat, encounter and sharing. The community is very active in the pastoral ministry of the region and the brothers are available to accompany you spiritually.
Come participate in the life of this dynamic community!
Yzeron Carmel (Yzeron, 69510)
Change of area with Yzeron Carmel!
We move to the Monts du Lyonnais. There, a community of Carmelites (yes, you know, the family from which Saint Thérèse of Lisieux came).
In Yzeron the welcome is humble and familial. It's the perfect place if you want to experience something closer to a hermit's life! Come take time with the sisters in silence and prayer.
Sainte Marie de la Tourette Monastery (Eveux, 69210)
Near Lyon lies a unique place.
A building constructed by Le Corbusier, the architecture won't leave you unmoved! Mother house of the Dominicans of Lyon, the monks who live there will be happy to welcome you.
In the countryside, come enjoy a moment of rest with a dynamic community that wants to make this place a true center of mediation between the world and the Church.
Little Brothers of the Lamb in Lyon (Lyon, 69000)
Are you looking for a retreat in the heart of the city? Do you want to get active and take action in a welcoming and warm environment? Bingo!
Head to see the Little Brothers of the Lamb in Lyon.
They welcome you to their presbytery on the Fourvière hill and invite you to live with them the mission in the streets of Lyon. Fraternity, prayer, and commitment to the poor await you!
(The Little Brothers only welcome men, but don't worry, the Little Sisters are coming to RITRIT! )
Community of the Assumption Lyon Croix Rousse (Lyon, 69000)
Still in the heart of the city are the religious sisters of the Assumption, present in Lyon for over 150 years. Living according to the Rule of Saint Augustine, they organize their life between prayer and work. With their garden in the heart of the city, come experience a truly refreshing retreat in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood.
Ars Carmel (Ars, 16130)
In the town that housed the famous curate... of Ars, Carmelite sisters welcome young women who desire to discover monastic life. This is the kind of gem offering you find on RITRIT, with sisters welcoming guests to help them discover their life.
In this small Carmel, come take a time of renewal and rest with the possibility of being accompanied by a sister.
Selignac Charterhouse (Simandre-sur-Suran, 01250)
On RITRIT, we don't lack unique places and the Selignac Charterhouse is one of them!
You might say "But tell me, I thought Carthusians didn't welcome retreatants" and we answer that that's why Selignac exists.
In this former Charterhouse, laypeople have undertaken to offer hermitage retreats in the Carthusian manner. We won't say more and will let you discover their page.
La Rochette Abbey (Belmont-Tramonet, 73330)
In the Savoyard foothills, at the foot of the mountains, the Benedictine sisters of La Rochette Abbey welcome you in a verdant setting to rest, study, or take time for yourself.
Live to the rhythm of nature and music, as the abbey church hosts a baroque music academy. We highly recommend it, as the sisters also organize multiple themed retreats for all tastes.
Chalet Notre-Dame-des-Refuges (La Léchère, 73260)
We end our article with a postcard image, worthy of Little House on the Prairie.
At 1,360 meters altitude sits the Chalet Notre-Dame-des-Refuges. There, a couple, Damien and Nathalie, welcome you for retreats in the mountains, for couples, priests, and young people. Family hospitality and attentive accompaniment are on the program. And what can we say about the stunning scenery...
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