Sainte-Bernadette Sanctuary of Nevers
In the heart of Burgundy's Nièvre region, on the banks of the Loire, stands a 19th-century gem, discreet and majestic, in the midst of its five-hectare verdant park: the Sainte Bernadette Sanctuary of Nevers.
In this haven of peace, where numerous treasures abound, a Saint, Bernadette Soubirous, draws to her side, enshrined for eternity, tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. Whether you are on the routes to Santiago de Compostela or Vézelay, heading to Lourdes or to Paray-le-Monial, this historic sanctuary located in the heart of France is the retreat destination that awaits you, a gathering place, but above all an essential stop to find renewal and contemplate in the school of Saint Bernadette.
More simply, this symbolic pilgrimage site is the guarantee of an edifying spiritual retreat.
Retreats organized by the community
The congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers
The congregation of the Sisters of Charity and Christian Instruction of Nevers was founded in the 17th century by Jean-Baptiste Delaveyne (1653-1719), priest and Benedictine monk. He wanted sisters who were not contemplatives behind monastery grilles, but living in service to the poorest, to whom they are committed in France and throughout the world.
The spirituality of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers is to manifest to the world the strength of Christian charity among the most disadvantaged and the sick. A life of prayer and a life of commitment are the essence of their religious life.
Since its origin, the Nevers sanctuary has been dedicated to this beautiful mission, and the Sisters of Charity of Nevers watch over their little sister Marie-Bernarde with the same love as over all the pilgrims who come to venerate the little saint in her golden shrine.
The Nevers sanctuary: a place of welcome and refuge for pilgrims
At the beginning of the 8th century, on this same hill, then covered with vines, monks settled and built a priory.
On the ruins of the first abbey, of which some traces still remain on the church porch, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers was built. It was constructed in 1850 to meet the demand of the bishop at the time, who had noted that the sisters were in a place that was much too cramped. Indeed, 200 to 300 religious were living in these premises.
The Saint-Gildard Convent, historic place where Bernadette Soubirous ended her life
At the beginning of the 8th century, on this same hill, then covered with vines, monks settled and built a priory.
On the ruins of the first abbey, of which some traces still remain on the church porch, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers was built. It was constructed in 1850 to meet the demand of the bishop at the time, who had noted that the Sisters of Charity were in a place that was much too cramped. Indeed, 200 to 300 religious were living in these premises.
After three days of travel between Lourdes and Nevers, by train then by carriage, Bernadette crossed the portal of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers on July 7, 1866. She was then 22 years old. Famous and over-solicited in Lourdes since the apparitions in 1858, she came here to take shelter, taking the name Sister Marie-Bernarde. It is here, in complete discretion and humility, that she discovered, learned, and then mastered the profession of nurse, in service to her sisters. Very weakened and ill, she would live the last 13 years of her life here, until April 1879. She was beatified on June 14, 1925, then canonized on December 8, 1933.
Today, within the congregation's motherhouse, sisters participate in the animation of the Sanctuary. A team of employees and volunteers is also mobilized year-round to maintain and bring to life this major pilgrimage site that awaits you.
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What to expect during your stay
Living a spiritual retreat at the Sanctuary of Nevers
Staying in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette in Nevers gives you access to the chapel where the little Saint now rests in a majestic golden shrine, as well as to the flowered and verdant gardens that surround the sanctuary. Covering five hectares, the park invites strolling or contemplation, near the Saint Joseph chapel, or near the historic wash house, where Saint Bernadette used to pray to Notre Dame des Eaux, which reminded her so much of "Aquerò," the Blessed Virgin as she had appeared to her in Lourdes near the grotto. There is even a recreation of the grotto of the apparitions!
In the city center and in an exceptional setting, the Sanctuary of Nevers offers 90 rooms with a capacity to accommodate nearly 200 people. You can also be served meals morning, noon, and evening, every day of the year. For lunch and dinner, the menu of the day (appetizer, main course, dessert) is offered at a rate of €15.
Without this being a condition for staying there, four chapels or oratories are available for a time of silence, mental prayer, or personal meditation. Mass is celebrated daily in French and even in foreign languages, depending on the arrival of different groups of pilgrims!
The Sanctuary of Nevers, an international welcome place
L'Arche, Secours Catholique, Bethasda, congregations, parishes, chaplaincies, and religious movements from all countries regularly gather in Nevers. Due to its accommodation capacity and exceptional setting, the sanctuary receives groups of adults and youth year-round. Regarding meals, note that picnic baskets and even snacks are offered as needed. The rooms have between 1 and 5 beds for visiting families. They are accessible to persons with reduced mobility and the floors are served by elevators.
Autonomous and at the heart of the Sanctuary park, the Saint-Michel lodging also receives groups of youth, cyclists, hikers, and families with a potential capacity of 15 people.
Today, the sanctuary has expanded its offer and addresses professionals. Do you wish to organize a meeting, training, interviews, a session, a conference or videoconference, a seminar, or even an international congress? The Sainte Bernadette Sanctuary offers you a multitude of rooms that can accommodate up to 150 people, fully equipped and modular, as well as a customized catering service.
Living a corporate seminar at the Sainte-Bernadette Sanctuary of Nevers
Today, the sanctuary has expanded its offer and addresses professionals!
Do you wish to organize a meeting, training, interviews, a session, a conference or videoconference, a seminar, or even an international congress? The Sainte Bernadette Sanctuary offers you a multitude of rooms that can accommodate up to 150 people, fully equipped and modular, as well as a customized catering service.
Geography and activities
Making a spiritual retreat in the Nièvre, on the banks of the Loire
The Sainte Bernadette Sanctuary is located in the town of Nevers, in the Nièvre (58), on the banks of the Loire.
- Ideally located in the heart of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region, it is surrounded by breathtaking natural and cultural heritage, served by the Nevers train station – just 600 m from the sanctuary – .
- Are you coming by car or do you wish to visit the surrounding region following the route you have set for yourself? The sanctuary has free parking, monitored 24/7.
By itself, the city of Nevers checks all the boxes of the ideal destination for your spiritual retreat, your pilgrimage, your vacation, and even your corporate seminar.
Stroll through the historic city center and visit the Ducal Palace, former residence of the counts of Nevers, enter the Cathedral of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte (which has the particularity of having two choirs: one Romanesque and the other Gothic), climb the Boyer Tower and discover a unique panorama over the city and the Loire, visit the Museum of Faience and Fine Arts and become an expert in "grand feu" faience, a decorative art that brought prosperity to the city for centuries. Afraid of getting lost? You just need to follow the blue line drawn on the city sidewalks. It passes right in front of the sanctuary.
Are you tempted by sports? The location is ideal for your bike rides (via the 58 VR6) or walks (on the ver-vert trail). Alone, as a couple, or in a group, discover the Loire, sometimes capricious, sometimes commercial. A sporting city if there ever was one, Nevers has seven stadiums, a swimming pool, several boules courts, a canoe club, several city stadiums, and a skatepark. Seven walking routes dedicated to walking, trotting, and running are available to you!
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