Bassac Abbey
Saint-Étienne de Bassac Abbey is a peaceful and fraternal place to experience a Christian spiritual retreat in the heart of Charente. Located between Cognac and Angoulême, surrounded by vineyards, it offers an ideal setting to reconnect with what matters most, alone, as a couple, or in a group.
Welcomed by the community and friends of the abbey, you will be received in a true family spirit. The welcome is simple, caring, and focused on listening.
Retreats organized by the community
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A place filled with history and renewal
Founded in the 11th century, the abbey was originally Benedictine. It has survived through the centuries, the Hundred Years' War, the Wars of Religion, and was restored in 1666 by the Maurist monks.
During the French Revolution, it became national property. Its buildings were then converted into barns, stables, and horse stables. In 1947, the Missionary Brothers of Saint Thérèse took over the abbey, undertook its renovation, and revived this spiritual site. They left in 2012.
Since 2022, at the request of Bishop Gosselin of Angoulême, the Notre-Dame de Lacépède community has been running the place. Today, the abbey's community, composed of priests and baptized faithful, serves retreatants and anyone seeking a spiritual experience.
The Theresian heritage remains alive, particularly through the relics present in the cloister chapel.
A community serving everyone
The community is made up of priests, consecrated single people, married lay people… Together, not alike but not without one another, they serve the Church of Charente under the bishop's responsibility.
Welcome in a family spirit is the distinctive mark of this place. At the abbey, you share meals, prayer times, and possibly activities with the community according to your expectations.
The spirituality of the Heart of Jesus open to all is the source of this shared life, in simplicity and peace.
What to expect during your stay
A typical day at the abbey
Here is an idea of the schedule for a retreat at Bassac Abbey:
- 8:30 AM: Lauds
- Morning: personal time / quiet activities / work
- 12:00 PM: Midday office, followed by meal
- Afternoon: free time or activities
- 5:30 PM: Adoration
- 6:30 PM: Mass, then meal
- Evening: free time, conversation, or silence depending on the retreat.
On weekends, the schedule adapts according to groups and current retreats.
Preached retreat
A program alternating teachings, testimonies, spiritual practices, and prayer times in silence. Personal meetings with a community member are offered.
Custom retreat
The community builds a path tailored to each person's expectations: rest, prayer, guidance.
Group welcome
Parish groups, Notre-Dame teams, profession of faith or first communion retreats, families…
A priest is available for confession, teaching, listening…
The guest house and life on-site
You will stay in the heart of the abbey, in single or double rooms according to your request. You will have access to:
- the kitchen
- the dining room
- the small comic book lounge
- the library
- the gardens.
Groups can benefit from meeting rooms. The accommodation capacity adapts each year according to needs.
- Preached retreats: meals in silence, with background music.
- Personal stays: meals alone or shared with the community.
- Groups: arrangements are defined in advance (autonomy possible).
Geography and activities
Discovering Bassac and its surroundings
The village of Bassac, between Cognac and Angoulême, has about 500 inhabitants. The nearest train station is in Jarnac, 10 minutes away.
From the station, you can reach the abbey on foot (8 km) via peaceful paths along the Charente River.
Nearby activities
- On foot: walks through the vineyards, swimming in summer, light displays at the abbey, historical tours.
- By bike: Flow Vélo route.
- By car: cellar visits, kayaking excursions, churches, local tourism.
Practical information
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