Dombes Abbey
The Chemin Neuf community brings life to this magnificent former Trappist abbey. Located less than an hour from Lyon, in the heart of the sublime Dombes region and its "thousand ponds", the abbey offers a green and extremely calm setting, conducive to silence and contemplation.
The community life of the brothers and sisters is based on prayer, agricultural work and welcoming anyone seeking a change of scenery and rest.
Retreats organized by the community
Living a time of spiritual retreat at Dombes Abbey
Since 2001, the brothers and sisters of the Chemin Neuf Community have succeeded the Cistercian monks who were present at Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey for more than 140 years. Fifty members share a life of prayer, work and hospitality there.
Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey harmoniously brings together about ten couples as well as some thirty consecrated brothers and sisters, while respecting the specific rhythm of the different states of life. The consecrated brothers and sisters live the Gospel and take vows of obedience, chastity and poverty.
Apple picking at Dombes Abbey
There's no shortage of activities at Dombes Abbey! The brothers and sisters have within the abbey a cheese dairy, a farm, a large orchard, a shop, a park, a vegetable garden and a confectionery workshop, in addition to all the tasks related to welcoming retreatants. Apple picking is a must-do activity during the fall season at the abbey!
About thirty brothers and sisters also continue their theological formation at the abbey within the Dombes Institute of Theology.
The Chemin Neuf community at Dombes, an international place
The Chemin Neuf Community was born from a prayer group in Lyon in 1973. The community is Catholic but its vocation is ecumenical: Protestant, Anglican, Evangelical, Orthodox and Catholic Christians live and pray together to realize Christian unity.
Chemin Neuf now has nearly 2,000 members in about thirty countries. Dombes Abbey is a perfect reflection of the international character of the community since among the 50 brothers and sisters living there, about twenty different countries are represented! A heads-up for polyglots...
The community brings together couples, families, consecrated single people and men and women who have chosen the adventure of community life following Christ, living poorly and humbly in the service of the Church and the world.
What to expect during your stay
Coming to recharge at Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey
Dombes Abbey is a place conducive to silence and rest. The place invites contemplation, meditation and prayer.
All retreatants are invited to share the prayer life of the community (that is, the different liturgical offices as well as daily Mass). Guests have access throughout their retreat to the church as well as a private oratory. During your stay, it is possible to meet a brother or sister from the community for spiritual guidance or simply to talk.
The abbey provides all meals of the day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), prepared by community members from seasonal products from the vegetable garden and orchard.
It is also possible to help the community with park maintenance or activities on the farm or in the orchard.
Near Lyon, a spiritual retreat adapted to your needs
At Dombes Abbey, the Chemin Neuf Community offers retreats adapted to every age. It offers:
- Individual retreats from Tuesday afternoon to Friday evening
- Exam study weeks
- Welcoming groups (especially scouts) is also possible
- Several iconography workshops are offered periodically during the year.
The abbey guest house is rustic but comfortable and welcoming, located in a green and extremely calm setting. Little birds regularly come to greet guests at their windows! The rooms overlook the farm and the guest house park.
About thirty rooms are available:
- Individual or shared rooms: 1, 2 or 3 single beds
- Three rooms with double beds
- One dormitory
Each room is equipped with a sink. Bathrooms are shared on the floor. If you can, please bring your own sheets and towels, otherwise they can be provided on site for an additional fee.
Geography and activities
Near Lyon and Bourg-en-Bresse, come on retreat to Dombes Abbey
In the department of Ain, the abbey is located in the Dombes region. The abbey's location is ideal:
- 45 minutes from Lyon (69)
- 30 minutes from Bourg-en-Bresse (01)
Hiking around the abbey, in the heart of the thousand ponds plateau
Dombes is nicknamed the "thousand ponds" plateau, characterized by sublime landscapes, a true paradise for the many wild birds that live there. From Dombes Abbey, the following activities are accessible:
- Hiking trails and walks through the magnificent ponds,
- 10 minutes by car, discover the superb Bird Park in the village of Villars-les-Dombes,
- The village of Ars-sur-Formans, home of the famous Curé of Ars, is only 25 minutes from the abbey.
Practical information
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