Foyer Sainte-Anne
In Burgundy, in the Doubs department (25) and right next to Besançon, come and recharge alone or in a group at Foyer Sainte-Anne!
You can find renewal within the community and enjoy the peaceful setting of their foyer, as well as the richness of the nearby city!
Retreats organized by the community
Foyer Sainte-Anne in Montferrand-le-Château
Foyer Sainte Anne was created by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary in 1964. It began as a school opened in 1964. It prepared young women for entrance exams, mostly for nursing schools and for a small number for childcare assistant schools. It allowed young women from modest backgrounds to access the nursing profession. Each year, the school presented between 45 and 65 students for entrance exams to various nursing schools.
In 1981-1982, as studies evolved, this school transformed into a guest house for groups. The Foyer welcomes Christian groups. A community ensures a continuous presence, with a sister serving as director of the Foyer.
In 1996, as the Congregation could no longer manage the Foyer, it entrusted it to the Diocese of Besançon. The sisters then left the Foyer and its direction was entrusted to a lay director.
Since January 1, 2000, at the request of the Diocese of Besançon, a community of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary has been present at Foyer Sainte Anne: a community of presence, prayer, service, welcome and offerings: sessions, personalized retreats, spiritual pauses. Communities have succeeded one another until the arrival in 2020 of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Bobo-Dioulasso.
The resident sisters and volunteers who bring life to Foyer Sainte-Anne
The Foyer is managed by an association but the buildings belong to the diocese. On site, you will find a team of 7 employees, supported by volunteers but especially by resident sisters: the Sisters of the Annunciation of Bobo-Dioulasso. There are 3 of them and their vocation is service.
The congregation's main objective is to be missionary. The Sisters of the Annunciation of Bobo-Dioulasso are entrusted with a special mission within the Church, that of announcing the joy of the Gospel through the joy and simplicity of service.
They dedicate themselves particularly to education, healthcare, professional and religious formation of women and youth, responding to the needs of local Churches. Availability and openness to the world are integral parts of their charism, which is perfectly illustrated by the welcome they provide at Foyer Sainte-Anne!
What to expect during your stay
The foyer welcomes you near Besançon in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté!
The Foyer welcomes retreatants throughout the year, whether you come alone or in a group! Discover here why setting aside time for a spiritual retreat at Foyer Sainte Anne could be extremely beneficial for you!
The groups welcomed include religious groups (spiritual retreats, congregation chapters, recollections, spiritual formations, etc.) but also those without religious affiliation (associations, businesses, retiree groups, birthdays, family celebrations, family reunions, etc.)!
Each year, 2 organized retreats are also offered:
- a "fasting, prayer and hiking" retreat
- a retreat following the "Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius"
Taking a retreat moment in eastern France
The Foyer is... particularly large! 4,000 square meters, there's room for everyone! 92 beds distributed across about forty rooms.
The rooms are simple and modest: 1 to 4 beds, a desk, a wardrobe, a shower or sink, and a balcony overlooking fields where horses graze!
The accommodation of groups, from the smallest to the largest, provides:
- rooms;
- 7 meeting rooms (with capacity ranging from 2 to 200 people);
- a catering service (all dishes are homemade by two cooks!).
Geography and activities
The Doubs department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, between nature and local heritage
There are many reasons to come and recharge in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté! Discover them here!
Moreover, 10 km from Besançon, come discover the village of Montferrand-le-Château where Foyer Sainte-Anne is located!
It is bordered by a magnificent forest that offers a superb palette of colors in autumn, perfect for walks and discovering the ruins of Montferrand castle, the Notre Dame du Mont chapel, priory of the Dominican Sisters of Bethany, as well as the greenway along the Doubs.
The Foyer is on the edge of the village, surrounded by fields, flowering in spring and summer, where horses graze. The village is quiet but has a supermarket, post office, bakery, pharmacy, etc.
The surroundings of the Foyer are restful and peaceful. They are appreciated by retreatants as well as families and vacationers. The véloroute, a bike path that crosses Europe, passes right nearby and goes through Besançon.
In this part of France, cheese is highly appreciated (we are in the land of Comté, but also Morbier, Cancoillotte and Mont d'Or) which is cultural and essential. But also the yellow wines of the Jura, beef meats (Morteau sausage!)... in short, a land of culinary riches.
Practical information
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