Carmelite Monastery of Le Broussey
On the banks of the Garonne River, south of Bordeaux, the Discalced Carmelite Monastery of Le Broussey offers an exceptional setting nestled among vineyards for spiritual renewal and welcomes those wishing to experience a spiritual retreat!
Founded in 1839 by Father Dominique de Saint-Joseph, who fled his country after the defeat of the armies of Infante Don Carlos for whom he served as chaplain, the Saint-Joseph Carmelite Monastery of Le Broussey is a historic place because it is where the male branch of the Carmelite Order was restored in France after the Revolution.
Since 1960, the monastery's community has maintained hospitality ministry for people wishing to make a spiritual pause there, and has since renovated and improved its buildings to ever better welcome guests!
Retreats organized by the community
Brief history of the Discalced Carmelites of Aquitaine
The province of the Discalced Carmelites of Avignon-Aquitaine is heir to two provinces of the Ancien Régime founded in the 17th century and restored in the 19th century. United in 1906 during their exile in Spain and Belgium, they were once again restored in 1932 based on new territorial boundaries.
The Province of Avignon-Aquitaine today comprises 8 monasteries: Le Broussey Monastery, Montpellier Monastery (1663), Saint-Désert Monastery (1948), Fribourg Monastery in Switzerland (1979), Toulouse Monastery (1986), Trois-Rivières Monastery in Quebec (1993), the Keur-Mariama mission in Senegal (2002), and finally Lyon Monastery (2017).
The community belongs to the Discalced Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the branch of Carmel reformed in the 16th century by Saint Teresa of Avila. It therefore belongs to a large network of monasteries that live from the same spirit and support each other mutually, while each maintains a specific character. The Discalced Carmelite friars represent the male branch of Carmel and are distinguished by their life of prayer and mission.
The life of the brothers at Carmel of Le Broussey today
In daily life, the life of the Carmelites of Le Broussey is grounded in mental prayer and fraternal life. Their activities are varied, including hospitality at the guest house, welcoming people for spiritual direction, monastery management, etc.
The community today consists of 13 brothers, ages 34 to 100. There are currently 10 priests and 3 brothers. Among them, one brother is an engraver (etchings), another is a beekeeper, and all are involved in local pastoral ministry services (chaplaincies, etc.).
What to expect during your stay
Experience a time of spiritual retreat at Le Broussey Monastery
The brothers warmly welcome retreatants throughout the year, individually or in groups, for retreats on themes related to Carmelite spirituality (for example: mental prayer, the spirituality of Teresa of Avila, etc.), in connection with the liturgical year (Christmas retreat, Lent or Easter retreat), or on other themes (engaged couples' retreats for example).
During a retreat, guests are invited to meet with a brother and to participate in some small services at the guest house. Although it is always possible to do some gardening, there are no specific manual activities to participate in at the monastery.
A place to welcome you, a place conducive to meditation
The guest house has 30 rooms, half of which are doubles. A beautiful garden overlooks the calm, rolling countryside marked by vineyards surrounding the monastery.
Perched on a promontory, from the monastery you can admire the Garonne valley, the Sauternes region, and the beginning of Les Landes. A place that truly allows you to gain perspective!
And finally, contemplating natural heritage is good, tasting it is even better! So don't hesitate to sample the wine sold by the brothers from their own vineyards: "La vigne du Carmel" (red Bordeaux and sweet white Cadillac).
Geography and activities
An exceptional location southeast of Bordeaux
Located 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux, very easily accessible by car, Le Broussey Monastery is an ideal place for a weekend or week in Aquitaine!
Near the monastery are the remarkable bastide towns of Cadillac, Créon, or Sauveterre de Guyenne as well as the medieval towns of La Sauve and Saint-Macaire. The medieval Château de la Benauge is even accessible on foot from the monastery and it is even possible to have a guided tour on request!
Finally, for nature lovers, the forests surrounding the place guarantee refreshing walks!
Practical information
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