Notre-Dame du Chêne Sanctuary
In the heart of Sarthe (72), Notre-Dame du Chêne Sanctuary has been a pilgrimage site since 1494 and a spiritual center run by the Brothers of Saint John, who are known for their warm hospitality and commitment to ecology.
You can come here for a few days of renewal or join a themed retreat session!
Retreats organized by the community
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Why "Notre-Dame du Chêne Sanctuary" and where does this name come from?
A sanctuary simply refers to a special pilgrimage site. But why is this a sanctuary and a place of pilgrimage?
Back to 1494. Doves and tongues of fire circle around an oak tree! The local priest then places a statue of the Virgin Mary inside the oak. This marks the beginning of a long tradition of prayer, pilgrimages, and healings. The end of the 19th century brought renewed growth to the site with the construction of a large basilica and a spiritual retreat center.
The Brothers of Saint John have run the site since 2010, focusing on three pillars: prayer, hospitality, and ecology.
Wwoofing and permaculture: Notre-Dame du Chêne Sanctuary today
Today, 10 brothers and priests live at Notre-Dame du Chêne. They lead prayer and liturgy at the basilica, organize retreat sessions at the Spiritual Center, and serve the neighboring parishes. Their way of life is centered on prayer, celebrating Mass, and teaching.
Fraternal life is very important and is often open and shared with guests: students, retreatants, and wwoofers. Notre-Dame du Chêne Priory has the special feature of developing permaculture gardens and offering training on integral ecology.
What to expect during your stay
Experience a retreat or a themed session
The Brothers of Saint John offer different ways to experience a retreat at Notre-Dame du Chêne:
- Guests and retreatants come to the Spiritual Center to attend a session or themed retreat on a specific topic from those offered.
- They can also come for a simple personal and personalized stay of renewal. In this case, it is possible to help with community services or in the gardens.
The Spiritual Center has 26 rooms (single and double) and can accommodate up to 50 people.
A cottage, La Bellangerie, located just across from the basilica, can accommodate groups or families. It has a large enclosed garden, 8 rooms with 2, 3, or 4 beds that can accommodate 24 people.
Meeting rooms and an oratory are available for guests.
Geography and activities
The sanctuary surroundings and nearby Sarthe villages
Notre-Dame du Chêne Sanctuary is located in the countryside, near the town of Sablé-sur-Sarthe (and its TGV train station), at the border of 3 departments: Sarthe (72), Mayenne (53), and Maine-et-Loire (49). It is located precisely in the municipality of Vion (72300), a small peaceful village in the historic province of Anjou.
The sanctuary is 40 km from Le Mans and Angers. It is also just 5 kilometers from Solesmes Abbey.
Many activities and places of interest are accessible on foot, by bike, or by car in the surroundings of Notre-Dame du Chêne Sanctuary. They offer opportunities for walks and discoveries of the villages in the Sarthe valley!
Practical information
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