Why go to an abbey to study?

Why go to an abbey to work or study for exams?

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Candidates for the baccalaureate, preparatory school exams, midterms, teaching certifications, oral exams... let us introduce you to THE perfect place to study.

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Just imagine: Olympic calm, endless space, fresh air, and the comfort and simplicity of meals already prepared. In other words, no distracting pollution, and optimal concentration to work vigorously or serenely as you approach your final sprint toward success.

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If all these terms resonate with you, you're in the right place. Here's a brief explanation of why abbeys and monasteries are perfect places to work and study.

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The guarantee of a calm and spacious place conducive to concentration

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The beauty of the place, the calm, and the work atmosphere

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Often perched in little corners of paradise away from everything, abbeys offer an idyllic setting for studying. Only the sound of birds, bells, or wind against leaves will break the silence that a student needs to concentrate. Calm is guaranteed and you live in complete autonomy.

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Moreover, there's no lack of space and you'll always find a large area to claim for yourself to spread out books and all kinds of drafts, either in rooms specifically designed for this purpose for the more solitary types, or in libraries for those who want to work with others.

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Also, during crucial periods, several groups of students often find themselves in these little havens of peace, which adds a bit of conviviality and camaraderie. The cohabitation and common desire to do well creates a work atmosphere worthy of the great library at Hogwarts.

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Serenity as the key word

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Studying will be the order of the day while you won't have to worry about any household chores or preparing a rushed meal between two practice exams. Also, meals are served at fixed times, an ideal setting for those who follow strict study schedules. Immersed in nature, the magical abbey settings rest the mind and the vast expanses are perfect for letting off steam after exhausting work days or for taking regenerative breaks.

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Studying in these places steeped in history will give you wings as you take the place of monks, once bent fervently over their manuscripts and illuminations, away from the temptations of the outside world.

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The divine offices (the monks' prayer times) allow (if you follow them) you to structure your day and thus plan segmented work sessions. So, going to study at an abbey allows you to nourish yourself both intellectually and spiritually, which can only do you good!

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Which abbey to choose for studying?

The only criterion to consider when you book on RITRIT will be the location, given that all abbeys are open to this type of proactive retreat.

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After booking and ensuring your safe journey there, it will only be a matter of work. Payment is made by donation at the end of the stay (you're free to give what you want although there are guidelines about the costs represented by a stay with full board...).

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Our little travel guide to good addresses for studying at an abbey

• A Mediterranean climate and sunshine to hide your dark circles: Sainte-Lioba Abbey welcomes you between Toulon and Marseille, Lagrasse Abbey welcomes you between Narbonne and Carcassonne.
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• For a light mountain air, Champagne Abbey or Hautecombe Abbey will help you recharge.
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• For Parisians who don't want to stray too far, Jouarre Abbey and its Benedictine sisters and Val d'Igny Abbey offer an exceptional setting close to your exam locations.

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Testimony from Louis, 20 years old:

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« My name is Louis and I studied for entrance exams to the grandes écoles at the Trappe Abbey in Soligny in 2021. We had 2 very large rooms available with other students who were also studying (others worked alone in their rooms) with whom I became friends during a week of intense work and frisbee breaks in the fresh air. The rooms were a little away from the abbey so we were really in complete autonomy during the day. The brothers had recommended that we participate in at least one divine office per day. We had chosen Vespers (just before dinner), which allowed us to have a real break before our nighttime sessions. This time of sharing really rested the mind! Meals were eaten in silence but there was the possibility to sit separately with the guest master for certain meals and it was really friendly. I recommend the experience, whether you have faith or not, everything there is practical, healthy and motivating. »

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As you've understood, these places house ideal study spaces where you can only be serene as you approach your deadlines.

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Now that they hold no more secrets for you, refine your search criteria for booking your next study retreat at an abbey!

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