Le Berceau Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
Le Berceau Center is the birthplace of Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660). It welcomes all types of retreats between 3 and 5 days.
To enjoy the Landes region or discover the life and work of this great 17th-century figure, this is the perfect place! Between ocean and forest, enjoy a few days of rest and renewal in a place steeped in history.
Retreats organized by the community
A brief history of Le Berceau Center, birthplace of Saint Vincent de Paul
Le Berceau Center is the birthplace of Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), great figure of charity in the 17th century who worked throughout his life to care for and support the poor and excluded. He was canonized in 1737.
Saint Vincent de Paul now has an international reach: nearly 150 different institutes draw from his spirituality around the world. At Le Berceau Center, all the emblematic works of his life have been brought together: an orphanage transformed into a school with boarding and vocational training, a retirement home now converted into a nursing facility, a training center, accommodation for people facing severe social difficulties, and a spiritual retreat center! It is truly a great place of life in all its forms!
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Two living communities on-site to welcome you
At Le Berceau Center, two congregations are present: the Daughters of Charity and the Congregation of the Mission. These are the female and male branches of Saint Vincent's works.
On-site, their main mission is to animate this pilgrimage site to best welcome pilgrims and visitors, but also to share Vincentian spirituality (that is, related to Saint Vincent de Paul) through sessions and gatherings.
What to expect during your stay
A few days of spiritual retreat in the Landes
Le Berceau Saint Vincent de Paul Spiritual Center offers spiritual retreats of 3 to 5 days.
How does a day unfold? Each evening, community members gather for a moment of prayer. Retreatants also meet for 2 brief teachings per day and a sharing time at the end of the day. It is also possible to participate in daily Mass. The rest of the day is spent in silence.
For guests, the landscaped park is large enough to always provide opportunities for walks or outdoor activities!
Le Berceau Center currently has a capacity of 78 beds distributed across 25 single rooms, 22 doubles, and 3 triples. These are large 19th-century buildings with pleasant comfort inside.
Geography and activities
Le Berceau Center in the Landes, legendary region between ocean and forest
Le Berceau is located in the village named Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, 6 kilometers from Dax.
Situated in the Landes department (40) corresponding to the former province of Gascony, Dax is a very popular thermal spa town. A sub-prefecture of the Landes, the town of Dax is renowned for its hot springs and its pure rugby tradition (a must for rugby fans inclined to come support US Dax at Maurice-Boyau Stadium)...
The region is known for being one of the largest forests in Europe, due to its pine plantations in the 19th century. It is mainly flat and sandy. A little detail for a sunny afternoon: Le Berceau Center is close to the Basque Country and the Atlantic coast. Good news for Sunday surfers who want both a retreat for rest and renewal, and to enjoy the region by stopping by the Atlantic Ocean!
Places to visit around Saint Vincent de Paul Center
On foot: the Marian sanctuary is 5 km away via the forest path. Ideal for a peaceful and poetic little walk.
By car: the city of Dax, its history, its rugby tradition, its hot springs, its museums. Due west, the beach is less than 40 km away and the Basque Country is less than an hour away! Bayonne is only about 50 km from Saint-Vincent-de-Paul village.
In short, a wellspring of history and renewal at the foot of the Basque coast, to enjoy prayers and calm in a place infused with the good vibes of the warm and welcoming Southwest.
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Practical information
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