Blauvac Abbey
A haven of silence and greenery at the foot of Mont Ventoux: Blauvac Abbey is simply the perfect place for a refreshing inner journey, surrounded by fields of lavender, vineyards, and cherry trees.
The religious sisters of Blauvac have a genuine charism of hospitality. Anyone seeking interiority, calm, and rest will be welcomed and will have the opportunity to discover the treasures of Cistercian spirituality.
Retreats organized by the community
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A brief history of Our Lady of Good Help Abbey in Blauvac
The history of Our Lady of Good Help Abbey is a European story. When religious vows were banned in France in 1790, Dom Augustin de Lestrange founded a men's monastery in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. It was only at the Restoration, in 1816, that the community began to gradually return to France. In 1820, a group of nuns decided to settle in Vaise, near Lyon, then moved to Maubec in 1834.
Vocations flourished at this abbey, still under the patronage of Our Lady of Good Help. Despite numerous material difficulties, foundations followed one after another: in 1837, some sisters returned to Vaise at the request of the Lyon population and its archbishop; in 1852, Blagnac Abbey was founded (which would become Le Rivet); then Bonneval Abbey in 1875; and finally Chambarand Abbey in 1931.
Major works were needed at the monastery: the buildings were also unsuited to a smaller community, and rural economy was challenged by epidemics. The move took place in 1991, bringing the community to Blauvac, at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
The Cistercian sisters of Blauvac Abbey in the Luberon
At Blauvac, there are no ancient ruins but a manor house skillfully transformed into an abbey to shelter the 17 sisters sharing community life at the monastery, gathered around their abbess. Established in Blauvac since 1991, in the Vaucluse department (84), the community belongs to the Cistercian Order monastic family, founded by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, and follows the Rule of Saint Benedict. The sisters live according to this spirit, simply, in the beneficial alternation of prayer and work.
The community lives according to the rhythm of seven daily offices, day and night, gathered in the abbey church that the sisters built in 2005! Many are the neighbors, retreatants, and day pilgrims who come to join the Cistercians in prayer. All can attest to the peaceful beauty of the offices, chanted at the first rays of sunlight, in union with the birds, soon followed by cicadas that don't hesitate to blend their voices with those of the sisters!
The famous hosts of Blauvac Abbey
The Blauvac Abbey community also lives from its work. A host-making workshop allows the sisters to live from the work of their hands. All the sisters, according to their abilities, participate in the production, from preparing the batter, baking, cutting... to sticking labels on packages, including accounting!
In full communion with nature, they also have a vegetable garden covered with numerous fruit trees and various flowers. This garden allows the sisters to offer "The abbey's delicacies," made on-site, which you can discover in the abbey shop... A guest house open to seekers of meaning completes the community's activities.
What to expect during your stay
Making a spiritual retreat in Vaucluse, at Blauvac Abbey
The religious sisters of Our Lady of Good Help Abbey have inherited a genuine charism of welcoming all people seeking spirituality and silence. If you are seeking rest, don't hesitate to discover Blauvac Abbey where the community will be happy to offer you a privileged setting bathed in light, calm, and prayer.
Located on the Santiago de Compostela route, the monastery has offered pilgrims water from the Saint James fountain for centuries. They quench their bodies there, rest in the shade of tall trees before resting their hearts in the abbey church of the monastery. The religious sisters join all these pilgrims in their journey through prayer and spiritual accompaniment.
The enclosure is not so much a barrier to shelter the community from the world, but it delimits an oasis where the weary traveler can stop to find renewal in silence, prayer, fraternal encounter in the midst of welcoming nature. Don't hesitate to come and set down your baggage!
A guest house to welcome you at Our Lady of Good Help Abbey
Whatever the spiritual journey of potential guests, the religious sisters of Blauvac are happy to allow you to find renewal in silence and contemplation for a time of retreat, work, or rest.
During a spiritual retreat at Our Lady of Good Help Abbey, guests are invited to share prayer times in the church, open to all. Those who wish may ask to meet with a sister for a spiritual conversation.
The guest house is deliberately modest in size to preserve the setting necessary for silence and meditation. The guest house service offered includes accommodation in a single or double room, in exchange for small participation in the running of the guest house (setting the table, dishes...) and a contribution to expenses.
Some additional information regarding the guest house at Blauvac Abbey:
- The facility has 19 rooms, including one equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility.
- Guests bring their own sheets (90 cm single beds), their towels, maintain their rooms, help with dishes and preparing dining rooms.
- Meals are taken in silence.
- Regularly, the religious sisters offer preached retreats during major liturgical seasons of the year (Easter, Christmas) or on particular themes (Bible reading).
- Retreats cannot exceed 8 days.
The community welcomes you with joy in the peace, serenity, and silence of the abbey.
Geography and activities
Blauvac Abbey, superb Cistercian abbey in Vaucluse
Located in the Vaucluse department (84), Blauvac Abbey sits at the foot of the legendary Mont Ventoux, the mythical passage of the most beautiful cycling ascents and major Tour de France stages!
Set in a haven of silence and greenery, Our Lady of Good Help Abbey welcomes retreatants in a landscape planted with vineyards and cherry trees. This idyllic setting with scents of thyme and lavender invites everyone to a refreshing inner journey.
Practical information
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