Clarisse Monastery of Nantes
The Poor Clares of Nantes offer young women a personalized welcome allowing them to catch their breath, rest, and discover the beauty of this singular life they have chosen. Share with them times of prayer, meals, and monastic activities, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Retreats organized by the community
A community in movement
In 1457, at the request of Blessed Françoise d'Amboise, Duchess of Brittany, a group of Poor Clares from Decize, Aigueperse, Moulins, and Le Puy traveled up the Loire and settled in the city of Nantes. Soon the monastery flourished and founded a monastery in Dinan in 1488.
The sisters were dispersed during the French Revolution. The Poor Clares returned to Nantes, to the site of the current monastery in 1862. It was a small group of Poor Clares from Marseille who took up the torch of contemplative presence in the school of St. Clare of Assisi, in the second half of the 19th century. At that time it was land surrounded by market gardens, "not far from the city."
In 1911, with the laws separating Church and State, the sisters found themselves expelled and forced into exile in Italy. The buildings, purchased by generous benefactors organized as a civil society, were rented out to a daycare center and several tenants. Upon their return from exile in 1917, the sisters would have to wait several years before regaining use of all their premises.
During the 20th century, thanks to an influx of numerous vocations, the community sent religious to support struggling monasteries and participate in several foundations in France and as far as Madagascar.
Today the monastery is located in the city center, in a quiet neighborhood. The chapel is accessible to anyone who wishes during the day.
Sisters coming from everywhere to welcome everyone
To welcome you, the Poor Clares of Nantes range from 30 to 90 years old and form a contemplative community living according to the rule of St. Clare of Assisi.
This monastic life, punctuated by prayer and spiritual reading, work, and community time, is marked by joy, sisterhood, and Franciscan simplicity.
In the school of St. Clare, work is received as a gift, a time during which the sisters strive to maintain a spirit of prayer.
This spirit of prayer unfolds in welcoming and listening to anyone wishing to speak with a sister or share prayer intentions, accompanying the elderly and young women who are questioning their life choices.
The sisters live in part from printing and bookbinding work, while the daily management of this large house (cooking, gardening, cleaning, administrative tasks...) completes their full lives!
What to expect during your stay
Two types of experiences for young women ages 18 to 35
- A monastic pause (one to a few days):
With a stay in hospitality, participation in the divine offices, and the possibility to experience a time of work or service with the community.
The religious offer a presentation of the community's life and the life and spirituality of St. Clare, with the possibility of meeting personally with a sister.
- A monastic life discovery stay (at least 72 hours) :
As part of a longer stay in hospitality, the sisters welcome you for a monastic life discovery stay.
These stays allow you to immerse yourself in life with the Poor Clares by fully sharing their daily life of prayer, work, and service, but also by taking part in certain community gatherings.
The community offers you personalized accompaniment with possible deepening of St. Clare's spirituality.
Dates and durations are to be determined on a case-by-case basis
A humble but warm welcome
The Poor Clares of Nantes do not have a formal guest house but rather hospitality at the heart of the monastery and can therefore only welcome young women.
Hospitality includes
- a small kitchen
- a dining room
- an oratory
Meals can be taken in hospitality if you are present for less than 72 hours; for a monastic discovery stay, meals are taken with the community in the refectory.
Geography and activities
Visit nearby old Nantes
The Clarisse Monastery of Nantes is located in the heart of the city of Nantes, in the Pays de la Loire region. Surrounded by lively and culturally rich neighborhoods, it offers a place of calm and reflection.
Nantes is a dynamic city, renowned for its art scene, and historical heritage. Visitors to the monastery have the opportunity to discover Nantes' history by exploring sites such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, strolling through the Bouffay district, or walking along the Loire quays.
The city also offers a variety of restaurants, where you can taste local cuisine, such as delicious buckwheat galettes, fresh seafood, and of course, the famous gâteau nantais.
Practical information
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