Enjoy a time of rest in an exceptional setting
In this article
Where to go for a spiritual retreat?
Need to disconnect, recharge, discern, or simply spend a vacation in a calm and beautiful place? Here is our selection of places to explore without moderation.
Whatever the purpose of your retreat, abbeys and monasteries welcome you to help you achieve it. Now the question arises: where to go? Whether you're looking for a very remote location or something more urban, for a short or longer duration, let's explore the topic.
In the past, France had more than 1,000 abbeys scattered throughout the territory, but today history has refined the list to leave us only the best! Originally, they were built in the countryside on lands given by local lords and possessed vast estates... The abbeys were actually built in the most remote corners possible, in order to respect the monks and nuns' need for silence and solitude. This is why, wherever you go, you will at least benefit from vast spaces!
4 original ideas for spiritual retreats at an abbey
Travel to a monastery at the other end of the Mediterranean: in Bethlehem!
The Emmanuel Monastery in Bethlehem was founded long ago, at the request of the Bishop of Galilee who sought to revive Greek Catholic monasticism in the Holy Land (yes, the monastery also has Eastern traditions, you'll see!).
The monastery is located at the foot of the separation wall between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, a place of humanity's fracture where they established themselves to be a praying presence. The community is composed of four sisters who are part of the Benedictine order of the Congregation of the Queen of the Apostles.
Going to this monastery means promising yourself a change of scenery in a place where the arid climate has in no way prevented flowers from growing and peace from triumphing!
Holy See and Dolce Vita: Trinità dei Monti in Rome
Rome, its beauty, its ochre contours and its curves full of history... The cradle of the Roman Church opens to you at the Saint Joseph Center of Trinità dei Monti.
This spiritual center with a thousand frescoes is the place par excellence to surrender to contemplation. Located in the historic center of Rome, the place immerses you in Italian sweetness, notably thanks to its large terrace offering a breathtaking view of the city, its buildings full of history, and of course its location that will let you enjoy the Dolce Vita of the eternal city.
The Emmanuel Community welcomes you alone or in groups, in a peaceful setting in the heart of Roman frivolity. Between gastronomy, art, the Pope's Angelus, and walks along the Tiber, we couldn't offer you a more enticing spiritual retreat!
A wonder of the world: Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
A historic monument perched on the islet of Mont-Saint-Michel, the abbey of the same name obviously needs no introduction. One of France's most iconic monuments known throughout the world for its charm, irrationality, and fairy-tale quality, it is today entrusted to the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem.
It is obviously one of the world's greatest pilgrimage centers and the abbey's surroundings are inhabited by a charming village and breathtaking landscapes that can only seduce you.
*Bretons and Normans are both invited... let's not get into the debate and just go there to eat a crêpe and sing with the Brothers and Sisters of the Community while the tide rises and encircles the Mount!
In Aude and the warmth of the South: Lagrasse Abbey
Located in Southern France near Carcassonne, Lagrasse Abbey is the guardian of stunning historical and cultural heritage. Let yourself be amazed by sublime landscapes that emerge between vineyards, lavender, sunshine, and southern hills. Let's also note that the village of Lagrasse (animated by its devoted artisans) is classified among France's most beautiful villages.
The community of canons inhabiting the place lives under the Rule of Saint Augustine and will be delighted to welcome you and exchange with you.
If you want a preview of what you're going to experience: for 3 days, about fifteen writers were invited to live at Lagrasse with the canons to follow their way of life. In a book titled 3 jours et 3 nuits, the 15 authors each wrote an unpublished piece. We find profound testimonies there, full of surprises and adventures, with among others the savory Fredéric Beigbeder and Sylvain Tesson!
Want a seaside stopover?
Maison Saint-François in Dinard
Between the fresh air of Brittany, the sound of waves, and the warm welcome of the Foyers de Charité of Tressaint, Maison Saint-François will be for you like a soothing refuge in a world exposed to storms. The House is located on the site of a former Capuchin convent and testifies to its history through architectural details such as the old enclosure wall that closes the garden and the granite buildings.
Good humor, joy, beauty: the explosive cocktail that makes it a wonderful place.
In the heart of Provence: Sainte Lioba Abbey
Sainte Lioba Abbey is located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, in a mountainous and sunny setting, a stone's throw from the azure coasts of our beautiful Mediterranean.
Sainte Lioba is a haven of peace, a place for dreamers, a place for lovers of the South... The colorful decor of red bricks and flowers of all kinds among the pines and the silence of the Simiane valleys welcomes a mixed community of Benedictines.
A time of rest and disconnection in the countryside
On the banks of the Loire, Fleury Abbey
On the banks of the Loire, towering and in such precise Romanesque and Gothic style that it earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site, we find in this guide Fleury Abbey.
The Benedictine community on site lives from your welcome, painting, and confectionery (whose amount of sugar is matched only by the exquisite taste of the orchard fruits). The abbey appears in an English countryside setting, on the banks of the Loire and its water-green color, and in vast fields (and this only 30km from Orléans).
In the Nantes region, Melleray Abbey
Melleray Abbey is a jewel of the Nantes region for its architecture that can only be described by this beautiful image and its mirroring lake bordered by tall trees and fields.
The Chemin Neuf Community living there is known for their strong fraternity, great dynamism, and contagious energy!
Stay at an abbey at the foot of the mountains
In the heart of Savoie, Hautecombe Abbey
Unquestionably elected as THE jewel of Savoie, Hautecombe Abbey is perched on Lake Bourget and offers you a breathtaking view of a mountainous landscape reminiscent of Switzerland with a turquoise lake and rocky peaks all sharper and dressed in greenery...
Joy and good humor are the watchwords in the Chemin Neuf Community that maintains the place. They welcome people between 18 and 30 years old year-round to pray, rest, or live a time of recollection.
Tournay Abbey, in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées
It is in a setting at the crossroads of deep green countryside and the mountains of the Hautes-Pyrénées (65) that Tournay Abbey was built. Today, 22 Benedictine monks welcome with open arms anyone presenting themselves at the abbey gates!
Notice to gourmands who will delight in stopping for the abbey's fruit jellies that are made respecting a great tradition.
The monastery organizes recollection sessions, Scripture discovery, and of course classic retreats, alone or in groups.
Make a spiritual retreat in the middle of the city
In Versailles, the Cénacle Spiritual Center
Notre Dame du Cénacle is a true haven of peace in the heart of Versailles. There we find a three-hectare park in the city center, a beautiful large neoclassical building somewhat reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles (located just a stone's throw away), and a magnificent water feature... in short, a true ecosystem. You couldn't get more soothing for a place in the middle of an urban jungle!
An international community of Ignatian apostolic Sisters bring the place to life, and they are animated by a great desire to give you a true spiritual experience, so the welcome is more than warm.
Jouarre Abbey, a superb community at the gates of Paris
Located 1 hour from Paris and 20km from Meaux, Jouarre Abbey is situated in a village of the same name. However, it is also located less than 5 minutes from dense and green countryside.
The dimension of hospitality is paramount for the Benedictine Sisters who welcome you and who will let you enjoy an absolutely stunning setting with the famous Romanesque tower of the abbey, the Merovingian crypt of the church, as well as splendid surroundings (possibility of walks along the Marne or in the Choqueuse forest).
PS: Mcfly and Carlito give you a preview of the friendship and simplicity demonstrated by the wonderful Benedictine sisters in their video.
Conclusion
You now know there is something for every taste, because in addition to covering all regions of France, abbeys and monasteries each have their own universe and set of specificities. This list is obviously not exhaustive, and you can discover other places on RITRIT!
.jpeg)