Saint-Martin de Ligugé Abbey
Saint-Martin de Ligugé Abbey is the first monastery in Europe. Built in the 4th century, it is now home to a congregation of Benedictine monks.
Located in the Vienne department, its remains and buildings trace the religious and architectural history of France. From the remains of the first abbey to the current constructions, this heritage palimpsest is well worth the visit!
Retreats organized by the community
The Benedictine community of Saint-Martin de Ligugé Abbey
Saint-Martin de Ligugé Abbey is a monastery of Benedictine monks located in the commune of Ligugé, in the Vienne department.
Founded by Saint Martin of Tours in 361, Ligugé Abbey is the oldest monastic establishment in the West still in operation, even though the current conventual buildings are from relatively recent periods.
Under the avenue leading to the current abbey church, remains of the first building constructed in the 4th century have been discovered. To an initial building, a martyrium dating approximately from the end of the 4th century, three naves were added in the 6th century. At the end of the 7th century, the church was extended with a new chevet to the east.
The talents and works of the monks of Saint-Martin de Ligugé
Today, Ligugé Abbey has 19 monks, aged 33 to 89, who have chosen to live at the abbey according to the Rule of Saint Benedict written in the 6th century. As in any Benedictine monastery, the community's life is structured by times of prayer, hours of work, and moments of fraternal life.
The artistic craftsmanship developed by the brothers through enamel work
The monks produce studies in patrology (the study of the Church Fathers) and Assyriology (the history of the ancient Middle East). In an artistic vein, they work with enamel and have been creating reproductions of works by numerous painters for over 60 years. Below is a small glimpse of the artistic talent of the Benedictine brothers of Ligugé!
SCOFA: the mysterious recipe of the monks of Ligugé
Since 2002, the Benedictine brothers of Ligugé have been making a recipe called SCOFA. This pastry owes its name to the initials of the products that go into its composition: Sugar, Cream, Egg, Flour, and Almonds. And this cake is notably sold at the Ligugé Abbey shops!
What to expect during your stay
Taking a spiritual retreat at Ligugé Abbey
We are happy to welcome you to our guest house for a spiritual retreat. The minimum stay is 2 nights and cannot exceed one week.
- Meals are taken in silence. A reading is broadcast from the monks' refectory.
- Guests are encouraged to participate in prayer times at the monastery church.
- A small library is at your disposal.
- If you wish, a monk can accompany you during your stay, as far as possible.
- Retreatants can help with the maintenance of the guest house and gardens.
A few meters from the abbey, the guest house annex
A guest house annex called Saint-Paul-Primerose, located 800 meters south of the abbey, is able to receive groups or individuals for their retreat time. It has 9 rooms with bunk beds.
An ideal setting to recharge during a spiritual retreat
Surrounded by a green park, this annex has an oratory, a meeting room, a kitchen, and a dining room. Meals can be prepared on-site by autonomous groups or provided by the abbey and picked up at the monastery after prior arrangement (schedule, location, and other organizational details).
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Geography and activities
Visit Poitiers!
Former capital of Poitou, the city of Poitiers holds a rich architectural and religious heritage. A landmark monument of the historic center, the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, from the 11th and 12th centuries, is a remarkable testimony to Romanesque art, with its superb sculpted facade dating from the 12th century. Beyond its prestigious monuments, Poitiers is filled with charming streets and lively squares where it's pleasant to stroll and stop at one of the many café and restaurant terraces
Stop at Futuroscope
In Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, near Poitiers, Futuroscope Park has been offering its fun and sensory attractions focused on science and technology since 1987. An experience worth repeating!
The magnificent Château de Touffou
Château de Touffou, located in Bonnes, majestically overlooks the Vienne river. The tour of the site allows visitors to discover the so-called François I chamber and its frescoes, the guard room, the chapel, the kitchen, and the old bakery. Added to this are wonderful gardens classified as remarkable.
Chauvigny, the medieval city with 5 castles
Overlooking the Vienne valley, the medieval city of Chauvigny captivates visitors with the richness of its architectural heritage. The upper town reveals charming streets and beautiful buildings that bear witness to past centuries as you wander. This is how one discovers the magnificent 12th-century Romanesque collegiate church with its splendid sculpted capitals, and the five fortified castles: the baronial castle, Harcourt Castle, Gouzon Keep, Flins Tower, and Montléon Castle.
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