Cîteaux Abbey
The monks of Cîteaux welcome people who wish to find renewal for 2 to 7 days in an atmosphere of peace and prayer, regardless of their religious beliefs. The abbey, nestled on a hillside in Burgundy, is located in the heart of the countryside. It is surrounded by vineyards and fields, in the heart of the Saône plain.
The Cistercians who live there invite you to come experience a few days with them, to accompany you in your quest for God or simply in your thirst for rest and tranquility.
Men and women are welcome to discover this great monastic tradition punctuated by the divine offices, times of silence and exchanges.
Surrounded by a remarkable natural and historical heritage, you will have the opportunity to completely disconnect.
Retreats organized by the community
Who founded Cîteaux Abbey?
Founded in 1098 by Robert of Molesme, Cîteaux Abbey, birthplace of the Cistercian Order, is located in the Saône plain, in the heart of Burgundy.
Marked by great poverty in its early days, the community took off thanks to the arrival of Saint Bernard and other companions in the spring of 1113. Two years later, Bernard, at the head of 12 monks, was sent to found Clairvaux. Through his writings and influence, Saint Bernard would be at the origin of a true school of spirituality. By the end of the 12th century, the Order had more than 500 monasteries.
A brief history of the Cistercian order
The Cistercian order plays a leading role in the religious history of the 12th century. It is among the oldest monastic orders, and has a recognized spiritual authority, as evidenced by its presence throughout Western countries.
It owes its considerable development to Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), a man of exceptional personality and charisma. His influence and personal prestige made him the most famous Cistercian of the 12th century. While he is not the founder, he remains the spiritual master of the order.
Insofar as it restored the Benedictine rule inspired by the Gregorian reform, the Cistercian order takes great care with the liturgy, and makes work a cardinal value, as evidenced by its technical, artistic and architectural heritage. The Cistercian order exercises a leading influence in the intellectual and economic fields as well as in the domains of arts and spirituality.
The monks of Cîteaux monastery today
Today, a community of 35 brothers live at Cîteaux. And they will be happy to welcome you!
What to expect during your stay
The guest house is comfortable and quiet. Guests are housed in individual rooms.
So that everyone is respected in their search, each person maintains silence in the common areas.
People with reduced mobility are welcome.
The setting for a spiritual retreat in Burgundy at Cîteaux Abbey
- Pray with the brothers: you are invited to share at least 2 divine offices per day.
- Enjoy nature: part of the grounds is accessible to you, as well as the surrounding countryside.
- Meet a brother: if you wish to talk, you can make a request.
- Take time to read : a library is reserved for you.
- Participate in guest house life: as in a family, set the table and lend a hand.
Geography and activities
The abbey is located in Burgundy 30 minutes from Dijon and Beaune, among the vineyards of Côte d'Or.
In a magnificent countryside landscape, the small village of Cîteaux is ideal for walking, visiting vineyards and tasting some of their wine productions...
The activities of the Cistercian monks of Notre-Dame de Cîteaux monastery
- A visitor's tour is open to the public. Discover the life of the monks and the Cistercian tradition. Two buildings are accessible: the library (15th century) fully restored with its copyists' cloister (13th century) and the novitiate (17th century).
- An exhibition shows how, for centuries, the monks were true specialists in land development!
The abbey's pride: the famous Cîteaux cheese!
The monks make a delicious artisanal cheese called Cîteaux Cheese. It is a soft cheese with a fruity flavor and washed rind. The cheese is available and sold at the abbey shop.
Practical information
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