Notre-Dame d'Aiguebelle Abbey
The Trappist monks of Aiguebelle Abbey welcome anyone seeking silence and renewal.
Built in 1137, the monastery is located at the confluence of three streams, hence its name "Beautiful Water," and at the top of a valley offering sublime views, an ideal setting for a spiritual retreat on the borders of Dauphiné and Provence!
Retreats organized by the community
A brief history of Notre-Dame d'Aiguebelle Abbey
For nearly nine centuries, the Cistercian monks have lived in solitude deep in this valley of the Drôme Provençale, where they built their monastery in 1137, a Romanesque building they would never leave, except during the time of the Revolution.
Over the centuries, the history of the neighboring towns of Montjoyer, Réauville and Roussas has been strongly marked by the presence and economic as well as spiritual activity of the monks of Aiguebelle.
The Aiguebelle community grew rapidly: in 1850, it numbered 233 monks. It then founded many other monasteries, most of which are still active:
- Staouéli Abbey, which became Notre-Dame de l'Atlas in Algeria and later in Morocco,
- Neiges Abbey in Ardèche,
- Sainte-Marie du Désert near Toulouse, which recently became Village de François,
- Dombes Abbey northeast of Lyon,
- Acey Abbey in Jura,
- Koutaba Abbey in Cameroon.
Aiguebelle Abbey also ensures the paternity of a community of nuns: Blauvac Abbey in Vaucluse.
The life and daily routine of the community's monks today
Today, the monastic community continues its quest for God in a withdrawn life in this same place. Living in silence conducive to contemplation, the monks gather in their church seven times a day to pray and sing God's praise together.
The Notre-Dame d'Aiguebelle community currently has 15 monks ranging from 53 to 99 years old. It is part of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. To trace the origin and foundation of this order, the Cistercian family was founded in the twelfth century at Cîteaux in Burgundy. Then certain communities, including Aiguebelle, followed the reform of La Trappe Abbey in the eighteenth century.
Aiguebelle Abbey continues its mission today: the Brothers seek to live from the work of their hands, to help the poor as much as possible, to welcome those who want to take time for rest and renewal in their lives.
What to expect during your stay
Experience a spiritual retreat in Provence
The monks of Aiguebelle welcome people who wish to find renewal individually or in groups for 2 to 7 days in an atmosphere of peace and prayer. Retreatants, groups, chaplaincies, friends, families and anyone seeking God are welcome!
Any reason is a good one to come for a spiritual retreat at Aiguebelle Abbey: deepen your life of faith, find inner peace, regain confidence in life, listen to the silence, give yourself space and time to pray to God alone or with the community. Guests are warmly invited to share in the Eucharistic celebrations, the liturgical office or the silent prayer of the monks.
The community can also welcome scout camps and students looking for a quiet place to study.
The guest house can accommodate up to 25 people in rooms with 1 or 2 single beds and private bathrooms. Guests also have access to an oratory, a garden, a library and three meeting rooms. In the refectory, meals are taken in silence with background music.
Geography and activities
Aiguebelle, an abbey nestled in the heart of the Drôme Provençale
The abbey is located in the Drôme Provençale, 18 km (11 miles) from Montélimar (the nearest train station) and 11 km (7 miles) from Grignan. To reach Aiguebelle Abbey by highway: take the Montélimar Sud exit, take the RN 7 toward Avignon for 1 km, then turn left onto D 133 toward Nyons. After 5 km, take the Roussas road D 203 on the left.
To reach the abbey via RN 7: coming from the north, take the direction to Avignon in Montélimar and, right after the bridge, turn left after the garage toward Grignan, Nyons (D 56); coming from the south, turn right at Donzère onto RN 541 toward Grignan via Les Granges-Gontardes, and at the next intersection take D 203 on the left.
Walks and a crocodile farm in the surrounding area
Beautiful walking and hiking trails are directly accessible around the abbey. You can enjoy the soothing calm of the nature surrounding the monastery. Along the way, the Tibhirine Memorial, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes and the monastery shop where you'll find an exhibition room and a video room showing a film about the community's life. Entry is free for all without a guide...
Further away, visitors can explore the Château de Grignan, the crocodile farm in Pierrelatte or for the more athletic, tree climbing in Roussas.
Practical information
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