Notre-Dame de Sainte-Garde
Nestled between garrigue and vineyards, set against the charming Provençal village of Saint-Didier, Notre-Dame de Sainte-Garde is a place of hospitality and spiritual retreats deeply rooted in history and Christian tradition.
Away from the hustle and bustle, on a small hill overlooking the landscape of the Comtat Venaissin, the house offers a setting conducive to silence, prayer, and inner renewal, lulled in summer by the song of cicadas.
Retreats organized by the community
A spiritual history spanning several centuries
The history of Notre-Dame de Sainte-Garde dates back to the 17th century, with the founding of a local congregation of contemplative and missionary priests: the Fathers of Sainte-Garde.
From these origins, the place has preserved a deep attachment to silence filled with prayer and to Christian witness at the heart of the world.
In the 19th century, a minor seminary was built on the site, with a beautiful chapel and a cloister. Part of the buildings, now listed as Historic Monuments, still bear witness to that era.
From the 1980s onward, the Institut Notre-Dame de Vie established a spiritual center here, soon joined by a seminary and a school of theology.
This presence gives the house a vibrant and prayerful atmosphere, sustained by a community of seminarians, students, and teachers.
A vibrant spiritual center rooted in the Carmelite tradition
Notre-Dame de Sainte-Garde shares the spirituality of the Carmel, following in the footsteps of Father Marie-Eugène de l'Enfant-Jésus, founder of the Institut Notre-Dame de Vie.
The place places particular emphasis on learning contemplative prayer, deepening the interior life, and spiritual guidance in the light of the great Carmelite masters.
The center welcomes both men and women for times of retreat, formation, and reflection.
What to expect during your stay
Spiritual retreats and programs
The spiritual center offers:
- multi-day spiritual retreats,
- days of renewal,
- thematic sessions,
- catechetical and theological formation,
- cultural gatherings and conferences.
Each retreat is led by a team including one or more priests, available for listening and spiritual guidance.
Days alternate between times of teaching, personal prayer, liturgy, individual meetings, and generous periods of free time.
Some retreats provide for the welcome of young children, cared for by a dedicated team.
The different missions of the site
Notre-Dame de Sainte-Garde brings together several complementary areas:
- a guest house open to groups,
- a spiritual center for retreats and recollections,
- a school of theology offering accredited and non-accredited programs,
- a catechetical center for the transmission of the faith,
- a seminary for the formation of future priests,
- accommodation and catering services suited to the activities of the site.
The guest house and buildings
The guest house can accommodate up to 200 people, with single or double rooms offering different levels of comfort to suit various needs.
The site includes:
- a large main building restored in the late 20th century,
- a spacious central chapel,
- a dining and catering area,
- a second accommodation building,
- a tree-lined park with two ponds.
Retreatants have access to:
- several meeting and working rooms,
- a 180-seat amphitheater,
- a library well suited to reading and meditation.
Three dining rooms (seating 100, 80, and 30) allow several groups to be hosted simultaneously.
During retreats, meals are generally taken in silence, but each group may choose the format that suits them best: silence, music, or open conversation.
Geography and activities
A privileged geographical setting
Notre-Dame de Sainte-Garde is located:
- 10 km from Carpentras,
- approximately 30 minutes from Avignon.
Just 4 km away lies the Marian sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Vie, accessible via peaceful, leafy paths.
Exploration and walks in the surrounding area
From the house, many walks are possible on foot. Nearby or by car, guests can discover:
- Venasque, listed among the most beautiful villages in France,
- Sénanque Abbey,
- Gordes,
- Orange,
- and the rich history and culture of Avignon.
