Where to go on a spiritual retreat in Centre-Val de Loire?
by Claire 4 min read
Centre-Val de Loire is a region that often surprises people when it comes to spiritual retreats. And yet!
Between ancient abbeys, Marian sanctuaries, welcome houses in town, and places nestled deep in the forest, it is easy to find a setting to stop, embrace silence, and catch your breath.
Here is a selection of spiritual retreat venues to help you choose according to your pace and what you are looking for.
Fleury Abbey – Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire (45730)
Fleury Abbey is one of the great Benedictine landmarks in France.
Here, the retreat is lived at the rhythm of the offices, in a stable and deeply peaceful setting.
The basilica, the proximity of the Loire, and the regularity of monastic life quickly set the tone. You slow down, adjust, and enter a different rhythm.
A deeply nurturing place for a grounded spiritual retreat.
Accueil Saint-Joseph
Accueil Saint-Joseph is the motherhouse of the congregation of the Sisters of Mary Reconciler, whose apostolate is to serve the smallest and the most vulnerable.
They live here in a spirit of humility, simplicity, faith, tenderness, peace, and ardent charity.
Everyone is welcome in this intergenerational and multicultural place of encounter, in the heart of the Touraine countryside.
Magdala - Fraternités Monastiques de Jérusalem
For more than 50 years, the Fraternités Monastiques de Jérusalem have been bearing witness in the world to the love of God.
The Magdala community welcomes you in a secluded house (in the heart of a 135-hectare forest!), dedicated to silence and spiritual renewal.
Come to meditate on the Bible, take a break from your daily life, or simply lend a hand to the community for the countless things there are always to do at Magdala!
Maison de l'Assomption - Orléans
The Sisters of the Assumption live according to the Rule of Saint Augustine, between prayer and work.
They carry out their missions in parishes, schools, and neighborhood life.
And that does not stop them from also welcoming guests, whether they wish to study for exams or simply take some time in quiet.
On the program: a restorative retreat near the Loire and its châteaux, the house of Jeanne d'Arc, the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, and more!
Monastère de Bouzy-la-Forêt
Another Benedictine community: the sisters of Bouzy-la-Forêt, who welcome you for a restorative retreat in silence, listening to the Word of God, in a peaceful natural setting.
You will also discover the very famous Eau d'Emeraude, a skin and oral hygiene lotion that the sisters make to earn their daily bread, from honey and aromatic plants.
For young women who wish it, the sisters also offer spiritual guidance that can be experienced during a retreat within the enclosure.
Monastère de l'Annonciade de Saint-Doulchard
On the outskirts of Bourges, the Monastère de l'Annonciade de Saint-Doulchard was founded in 1988 by an order that has existed since 1502!
The Annonciades live according to the Rule of the Order of the Virgin Mary, in a contemplative and Marian tradition.
They joyfully welcome those who wish to make a classic spiritual retreat, as well as retreatants who come to study for exams or, more unusually, those eager to discover iconography or the zither!
If all of that is not enough to convince you, know that they also produce jam and fruit jellies...
Sanctuaire de Pellevoisin
It was at Pellevoisin that the Virgin Mary appeared 15 times to Estelle Faguette in 1876.
The brothers and sisters of Saint John are responsible for animating the sanctuary and welcoming the many pilgrims who come to entrust their prayers here.
Whether you come on a personal journey, as a couple, as a group, or to take part in a themed retreat, you can be sure you will be warmly welcomed!
Among all the abbeys of Centre-Val de Loire, you will certainly find the right fit for you!