Bor Dominican Sisters Convent
In the highlands of Rouergue, north of Albi in Occitanie, rising from an immense expanse of rolling hills crowned with brown woods, a small bell tower stands, peaceful and resolute. This is the Bor convent.
Retreats organized by the community
A branch of the Dominican family
The religious family of this convent, founded in 1850 with Alexandrine Conduché, who became Mother Anastasie, as its cornerstone, was from the beginning grafted onto the great Dominican tree from which it draws its vigor and apostolic momentum.
The Bor convent had barely been established when numerous parishes requested sisters to open schools... The vocations that flooded in allowed the houses to multiply throughout the Aveyron countryside and beyond.
The great poverty in which they lived, the difficult conditions, the large number of children and the cramped facilities, nothing stopped these "apostles of the Gospel" who soon established their Mother House in Monteils, a more accessible and central location.
Soon France's borders were crossed. In 1885, the very young Congregation, responding to the request of the Dominican Fathers of Toulouse, sent volunteer sisters to work with them at the Brazil Mission. These valiant women from Aveyron left forever their families, their homeland, their Sisters to reach the heart of Brazil to serve populations without the Gospel, and especially the Indians. Today, half of the Congregation is Brazilian and continues its apostolate there in an adapted way.
In just a few words, one could perhaps summarize the common ideal received from Mother Anastasie as follows: "To live the Word of God, proclaim it and witness to it with simplicity, wisdom, courage and joy."
Sisters always animated by service and hospitality
The mission continues and today the sisters are present in several countries: France, Brazil, Italy, Korea and Vietnam.
In the past, up to thirty-seven sisters lived in the Bor community.
The various activities were faith education and caring for the sick. Now the small resident community mainly has the role of keeping this memorial site of the Congregation alive and welcoming those who pass through or wish to make a stop.
What to expect during your stay
A time of disconnection with the Sisters
The outbuildings of the Bor convent, partly renovated, are meant to be a place of rest with the possibility of reconnecting around simple things:
- hiking
- reading
- playing games
- wild foraging
- cooking
- swimming
- picnicking
The Sisters are attentive to their guests and are happy to share a fraternal moment with them.
The convent chapel is open to those who wish to meditate or attend Mass.
Taking a break in Aveyron
The Sisters can currently accommodate 15 people in their large house. There are single and double rooms. Each room is equipped with a shower, sink and wardrobe.
The house also contains a fully equipped kitchen with 2 dishwashers, 2 refrigerators, an XL stove, a living room and a library/music room. In addition, there is a laundry area (washing machine, iron) and a mudroom equipped with hiking maps, boots and an office stamp.
The exterior features a private enclosed courtyard with garden furniture for 15 people.
The bakery can deliver organic bread 3 times a week. You have the option of having your groceries delivered through the supermarket drive-through. The Sisters will be happy to recommend a local caterer for your family celebrations.
In short, everything for a fully equipped, stress-free stay!
"To live the Word of God, proclaim it and witness to it with simplicity, wisdom, courage and joy" - Charism received from Mother Marie-Anastasie.
Geography and activities
What to do around Bor Convent
The Viaur valley offers you its magnificent trails. From the convent you have access to hiking trails for all levels, as well as a mountain bike route.
The Viaur river is accessible 5 minutes away by car for swimming, fishing, canoeing or picnicking. The Roc de Gorb is equipped with a via ferrata and it is possible to rent equipment in the town.
In the nearby area, you will find small producers and artisans. 7 km away, the village of Lafouillade offers shops including a supermarket and a farmers' market. Near the bastide town of Najac, there is mini-golf and a treetop adventure course. In the Tarn department, Beaulieu abbey, a canoe base at St Antonin Noble Val, among others. Numerous flea markets and village festivals bring the area to life during the summer season.
Aveyron is renowned for its gastronomy and architecture, and has 5 of France's most beautiful villages. By crossing the Viaur, you will discover the Tarn and the city of Albi (UNESCO listed), the bastide towns of Villefranche de Rouergue and Najac, where you can visit the market and stroll. On the heights of the Viaur valley, the village of Bor, isolated in lush countryside, features its convent, its church, a square with a small playground and 5 houses.
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