François Palau Spiritual Center
In southern Quercy, the François Palau Spiritual Center is a place of prayer and contemplation nestled in a verdant valley, offering a particularly peaceful and refreshing setting.
The community of Carmelite Missionary Sisters offers you delightful accommodation for a retreat, a time of meditation or relaxation.
Retreats organized by the community
The François Palau Spiritual Center, in Tarn-et-Garonne
Two kilometers from the village of Caylus, in Tarn-et-Garonne, accessible by car or on foot and near the Notre-Dame de Livron Sanctuary, the François Palau Spiritual Center is a place of contemplation and peace that makes possible the experience of God and creates ideal conditions for a time of meditation and contemplation.
Make a spiritual retreat near Notre-Dame de Livron
The Carmelite Missionary Sisters who live in this place welcome you and offer you accommodation for a retreat, a time of contemplation or relaxation.
The community of Carmelite Missionary Sisters
The Carmelite Missionaries, founded in 1860 by Father François Palau (a Spanish Carmelite monk), arrived in Livron in 1956.
The sisters are part of the Carmelite family of Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint John of the Cross and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, with Our Lady of Mount Carmel as their patron saint. They lead the prayer times at the sanctuary as well as the maintenance of the place, the welcoming of pilgrims, friends and tourists.
The Sisters of the François Palau Spiritual Center speak both French and Spanish, which makes it a privileged place of welcome for Spanish-speaking people residing in France. ¡Olé!
What to expect during your stay
Experience a customized retreat or stay
Thematic retreats are offered throughout the year:
- In July: a retreat "in silence"
- In August: a "walking and prayer" retreat
- The first Monday of each month (from September to June): spiritual pauses
- The last day of the year, December 31: a day of silence and prayer with Mass and time of fellowship.
The Carmelite Missionary Sisters welcome groups or individuals, for sessions, retreats, a time of contemplation or relaxation.
Your spiritual retreat at the François Palau Center
During your stay, you can attend and participate in:
- the daily Mass at 9:00 AM: Tuesday through Friday and Sunday
- the daily offices: Lauds at 7:30 AM and Vespers at 5:00 PM
The guest house of the François Palau Spiritual Center
The guest house of the François Palau Spiritual Center has the following facilities:
- 25 single and double rooms for a maximum of 35 people (sheets and towels to bring, but the center can provide them)
- 3 dining rooms: breakfast, lunch and dinner on site
- A conference room
- A library (wifi accessible)
- A garden
- A chapel (always accessible to groups as well).
All these facilities are made available to retreatants to accompany their retreat time: to rest, meet, exchange, contemplate and pray with the Carmelite Sisters, under the gaze of Our Lady of Livron.
Geography and activities
A spiritual retreat place in Tarn-et-Garonne, between Cahors and Montauban
The François Palau Spiritual Center is located two kilometers from the village of Caylus, in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne (82). The place is accessible by car or even on foot from the Notre-Dame de Livron Sanctuary (82160 Caylus).
Enjoy the exceptional heritage of the Causses du Quercy
Between Cahors and Montauban, the surroundings of the center benefit from the rich heritage, both cultural and natural, of the former province of Quercy. The following activities can be offered to you during your retreat:
- From the François Palau center: sumptuous hikes, on foot or by mountain bike
- Cultural activities in the region: natural parks, crafts, eco-tourism, medieval villages
- Sports activities in the region: tennis, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming pool.
Practical information
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