Enjoy a time of rest in an exceptional setting
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Spiritual pause in Île-de-France: find calm in the midst of the bustle
Île-de-France, with its reputation as a dynamic and cultural region, also offers a variety of spiritual retreats for those seeking serenity and contemplation.
Whether you are an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply wish to escape the urban tumult, this region is filled with places conducive to reflection and inner peace.
In this article, we present some of these places that will allow you to take a welcome spiritual break in the heart of the Parisian bustle.
Saint-Benoît Priory - Montmartre Hill (75018 Paris)
- The Benedictine sisters of Saint-Benoît Priory, located behind the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, offer a unique spiritual retreat experience. Welcoming all those seeking contemplation, it offers a peaceful setting for prayer and meditation. With varied retreats, comfortable facilities, and the basilica accessible at all times, the Priory is the ideal place for a spiritual pause in the heart of the City of Light.
Limon Abbey (91430, Vauhallan)
- Saint-Louis-du-Temple Abbey, perched on the hill of Vauhallan, near Paris, is the sanctuary of Benedictine nuns who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict. At the heart of this monastic life punctuated by prayer, work, and hospitality, the abbey offers visitors a haven of peace for a spiritual retreat. With renovated rooms, cultural heritage including museums and an atmosphere conducive to meditation, Limon Abbey is an ideal place to embrace silence, contemplate, meditate, pray, and reflect, just steps away from the City of Light
Saint-Martin Priory (La Houssaye-en-Brie, 77610)
- Located in La Houssaye-en-Brie, Saint-Martin Priory is the headquarters of the Congregation of Missionary Brothers of the Countryside, founded in 1943 by Father Épagneul. In a peaceful setting surrounded by a wooded park of 5 hectares, this priory offers spiritual retreats for individuals and groups. With 22 rooms, work spaces, a meeting room and a conservatory, it is an ideal place for students seeking tranquility for their studies, just 45 km from Paris. You can also explore the surroundings on foot to discover local history or by car to visit sites such as Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau and many others.
Frileuse Carmel (Briis-sous-forges,91460)
- Come experience a spiritual retreat at Frileuse Carmel, located just 40 km south of Paris. Immerse yourself in silent prayer with the community, relax in the peaceful orchard, and explore the nearby hiking trails.
Also take advantage of the ideal location to visit exceptional sites, such as the basilica of Longpont-sur-Orge, Château du Marais, Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard, the park and château of Val Fleury, as well as the Vaux de Cernay in Yvelines. Frileuse Carmel is a unique spiritual and cultural experience not to be missed.
Notre-Dame de l'Ouÿe Abbey (91410 Les Granges-le-Roi)
- Notre-Dame de l'Ouÿe Abbey, founded in the 12th century, is a haven of peace just 40 km from Paris. This sanctuary warmly welcomes all generations and offers a variety of spiritual experiences. You can participate in workshops focused on interior life, organize educational stays for young people or retreat in groups for a profound spiritual experience. The abbey offers modern rooms, well-equipped meeting rooms, a chapel and delicious cuisine. Explore nearby historical sites or relax in the two-hectare park.
La Clarté-Dieu Spiritual Center (91400, Orsay)
- Located less than 20 km from Paris, La Clarté-Dieu, founded by the Franciscan Brothers after World War II, embodies simplicity and spirituality in a preserved setting. Classified as a Historic Monument, this center combines sober Franciscan architecture with a serene atmosphere. Each year, it welcomes 12,000 visitors seeking renewal and theological formation. The Franciscan community, composed of brothers and sisters, pursues its mission of reflection and intellectual openness while emphasizing nature conservation. La Clarté-Dieu offers spiritual retreats, events open to all and a space conducive to exam preparation for students. With modern rooms, well-equipped meeting rooms, a chapel and a park, this unique place offers an unforgettable experience.
Cenacle Spiritual Center (78000, Versailles)
- Since 1921, the Cenacle Spiritual Center, nestled in Versailles, has welcomed thousands of visitors each year for spiritual retreats. Located in a three-hectare park, this peaceful place is the ideal setting for meditation and renewal. The Ignatian apostolic religious who run the center are driven by the desire to share the Word of God and to offer a space of welcome and accompaniment. They are also engaged in a process of integral ecology. The Cenacle offers spiritual retreats for all, Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius and accommodation with full board. Accessible in twenty minutes from Paris, it is a haven of peace near the famous Palace of Versailles.
Maison Massabielle (95390, Saint-Prix)
- Founded in 1938 by Father Caffarel and four couples wishing to live the fullness of their sacrament of marriage, the Teams of Our Lady bring together more than 70,000 married couples in 14,000 teams, spread across 70 countries. The Teams of Our Lady offer couples the opportunity to live their faith more deeply. Maison Massabielle, managed by this movement, offers a multitude of spiritual retreats for couples each year. These retreats allow participants to strengthen their spiritual and marital life. The Teams of Our Lady also organize silent retreats, formation sessions, family gatherings, discernment days, and many other spiritual activities. Maison Massabielle, located only 30 minutes from Paris by RER, offers a peaceful environment with a 3-hectare park, ideal for meditation and walks. It is an exceptional place for a spiritual retreat as a couple or group.
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