Sainte-Claire Monastery in Montfavet
On the outskirts of Avignon, in Montfavet, a welcoming community of contemplative Poor Clare nuns receives visitors at Sainte-Claire Monastery.
This peaceful, bucolic place is ideal for finding physical, emotional, mental and spiritual renewal.
Retreats organized by the community
The spiritual history of the Verdière estate
Originally, the estate belonged to the Clauzot family, from Paris. After their son's tragic death, the family transformed his bedroom into a chapel to preserve his memory. This sacred place, probably dating from the late 19th century, was blessed in 1899.
The estate was then offered to the Franciscan Friars, who made it a vacation house for young friars, before it became a residence for the older ones. In 1941, at the initiative of Father Raphaël Graille, the property was entrusted to the Poor Clare Sisters of Nice-Cimiez, who wished to found a new community.
They dedicated the place to Our Lady of Miracles, celebrated each year on July 9. The first religious sisters settled there on November 29, 1941 and have lived there ever since, faithful to their vocation of prayer and praise.
Daily life of the Poor Clares of Montfavet
Today, Sainte-Claire Monastery in Montfavet is home to 14 Poor Clare nuns and one chaplain. Ranging in age from 35 to 91, they live in simplicity and fraternity, united by the joy of having encountered the humble and poor Christ.
Their day alternates between liturgical prayers and daily tasks: maintaining the monastery, sewing, laundry, cooking, welcoming visitors and running a small shop of religious items. The divine offices mark the hours, from Lauds at dawn to Compline in the evening.
What to expect during your stay
Welcoming guests in the monastery's silence
Hospitality is an integral part of the vocation of the Poor Clares of Montfavet. In the silence of the monastery, everyone can draw closer to the Lord, pause, refocus or simply breathe.
Hospitality is experienced through:
- a time of prayer or inner renewal,
- a sharing encounter with a sister or the chaplain,
- participation in liturgical offices,
- moments of silence to listen to the Word,
- or spiritual guidance for those who wish it.
Accommodation and living environment
The monastery can welcome women, men, couples, families, students, scouts, priests, laypeople and consecrated persons.
Each guest has access to:
- a single room,
- shared toilets and showers,
- a dining room,
- two conference rooms,
- Wi-Fi access,
- an arboretum-style landscaped garden,
- a chapel and parking adjacent to the guest house.
Sheets and meals are available for those who wish.
Participation in the divine offices is voluntary, the schedule is posted in each room.
Geography and activities
Montfavet and the Avignon area
Montfavet, part of the municipality of Avignon, is located in the Vaucluse department, in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This peaceful neighborhood is bordered by the Crillon canal, the Durance river and the towns of Morières-lès-Avignon, Châteaurenard and Noves.
Nearby:
- Avignon (4 miles): Palais des Papes, Pont d'Avignon, cathedral and museums.
- Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (7 miles): Fort Saint-André and abbey.
- Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (16 miles): iconic spring.
- Pont du Gard (20 miles): remarkable historic site.
- Roussillon (27 miles): the famous Ochre Trail.
Practical information
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