Fleury Abbey
In the heart of the Loire Valley territory, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional natural landscapes and cultural heritage, Fleury Abbey, its majestic Romanesque abbey church and its community of Benedictine monks welcome men, women, couples and groups in a sumptuous setting.
Treat yourself to a bit of greenery, come find renewal on the banks of the Loire at Fleury Abbey: the ideal place to pray, rest, find silence...
Retreats organized by the community
The Benedictine community of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire Abbey
Founded around 630, Fleury Abbey has been famous since the end of the 7th century for housing the relics of Saint Benedict, the patriarch of monks in the West.
After a troubled period marked by Norman invasions, the abbey reached the height of its influence between the 9th and 13th centuries, beginning with the abbacy of the holy monk Abbo. In 1791, the Revolution dispersed the community: the abbey became a stone quarry... until its refoundation in 1944 by the Benedictine monks of Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey.
The Benedictine monks and Gregorian chants of Fleury Abbey
The community includes 25 monks devoted daily to the liturgy. Each day is thus marked by the celebration of six offices (Lauds, Terce, Eucharist, None, Vespers and Vigils).
Faithful to the balance of the Benedictine Rule (Ora et Labora), the monks lead a simple life of various community services (park maintenance, orchards) and crafts, including a porcelain painting and confectionery workshop! They also run a religious bookstore and publish a quarterly magazine.
The monks of the community are also great singers, devoted to Gregorian chant! In the summer, brothers give tours of the basilica to pilgrims, tourists and the luckiest guests...
Fleury Abbey church: a jewel of Romanesque art
Built from the 11th century onwards, the basilica of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire is a breathtaking masterpiece. No fewer than 75,000 visitors come each year to contemplate it! Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Benedict, the building impresses with its dimensions and interplay of light.
Come enjoy the charm of this unique example of Romanesque art, a place marked by religious offices, conducive to contemplation and meditation...
In the crypt, you will discover the abbey's treasure, the source of its historical influence: a precious reliquary containing the relics of Saint Benedict.
What to expect during your stay
A personalized welcome for making a spiritual retreat at Fleury
The community of Fleury gladly welcomes guests and pilgrims, remaining faithful to Saint Benedict's vow: "All guests who arrive shall be received as Christ"!
The guest house has four buildings, allowing us to respond to everyone's needs:
- The inner guest house, adjoining the monastery, for men only, with individual rooms and meals in the monks' refectory,
- The outer guest house, north of the basilica, for women, couples, mixed groups: single or double rooms, meals in the guest house refectory,
- The Logis Saint-Michel, near the north guest house, consisting of studios and apartments, for completely independent accommodation,
- Le Clos, 1 km from the monastery, consisting of 5 dormitories, perfectly suited for independent youth groups (up to 39 people)!
A spiritual retreat at the rhythm of monastic life at Fleury Abbey
Retreatants are invited to live, at least partially, at the rhythm of the different religious offices of the day.
They can also benefit individually from spiritual guidance by a brother of the community, if they request it.
At the guests' disposal: reading rooms, oratory, gardens, walks and an atmosphere of silence, which has become so rare these days, preserved in the premises and surroundings of the guest house.
The abbey also welcomes male or female students, individually or in small groups, for "study retreats" during which they prepare for their exams while also committing to participate in at least one office per day.
A retreat at Fleury Abbey therefore provides a favorable time for reading, study, prayer, meditation, physical relaxation and contemplation.
Geography and activities
Fleury Abbey and its surroundings, in the heart of the Loiret
- Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, the abbey's town, is located at the crossroads of the Paris meridian, the Méridienne verte, and the Loire: one of the river's most harmonious bends. City dwellers, a change of scenery guaranteed!
- The Loire Valley territory is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Two exceptional sites, near the abbey, are worth discovering: the oratory of Germigny-des-Prés (5 km away), one of the oldest churches in France (9th century!) and guardian of the country's only Carolingian mosaic, as well as Sully-sur-Loire Castle (8 km away), an admirable witness to seven centuries of history.
- For cycling enthusiasts, Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire is a key stop on the countryside route "Loire by bike". Pedal just 10 km and discover the town of Châteauneuf-sur-Loire and its natural park of 20 hectares surrounding the château.
Bordered by the Loire, Fleury Abbey is located 30 km east of Orléans, in the Loiret department.
This ideal location offers visitors the opportunity to discover a unique natural, cultural and historical heritage!
Practical information
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