Taulignan Monastery
In the luminous landscape of the Drôme provençale, among vineyards and lavender fields, the Dominican nuns of La Clarté Notre-Dame Monastery in Taulignan warmly welcome anyone who wishes to pause, pray, study, and take time to live peacefully while enjoying nature.
Their liturgical prayer, which is the heart of the sisters' life, is open to all. Many retreatants testify to the benefits they receive from this time of retreat and renewal.
Retreats organized by the community
The monastery is located in the Diocese of Valence, 22 miles from Montélimar, equidistant from Lyon, Marseille, and Montpellier. It is nestled in a magnificent setting that invites contemplation, silence, hiking, and relaxation.
The Dominican Sisters of Taulignan Monastery in the Drôme
The nuns joyfully live a life of prayer, work, and study of the Word of God, as well as a community life that combines silence with times of sharing. In short, they lead a life that is both withdrawn and open to the world!
A brief history of the Dominican order and charism
The Order of Preachers (more commonly called the "Dominican order" because it was founded by Saint Dominic in the early 13th century) has the mission of bringing the Gospel to the world, in the manner of the first Christian communities.
Several complementary branches participate in this mission: on one hand, friars, apostolic sisters, and laity, through explicit proclamation in the heart of the world; on the other hand, nuns, through their prayer in withdrawal so that the proclaimed Word may bear fruit.
The sisters of Taulignan, herbalists in the heart of Provence!
In 2009, they began organic cultivation of aromatic plants: lavender, lavandin, rosemary, lemon balm, thyme, oregano, mint, mountain savory, verbena, marjoram, hyssop, etc.!
Their crops and small distillery allow them to produce essential oils, hydrosols, herbal teas, and lavender sachets. This work has made them more aware of environmental issues, and they have undertaken a journey of ecological conversion, beautifully confirmed in 2015 by the publication of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si'.
The ecological commitment of Taulignan Monastery
To learn more about the sisters of Taulignan and their commitment to ecology, here is a KTO documentary about laity and religious who are trying to implement the principles of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato si':
What to expect during your stay
Everyone is welcome for a retreat at Taulignan Monastery
The sisters of Taulignan welcome individual retreatants, couples, and organized groups, up to about twenty people, in single or double rooms, with monastic simplicity and Dominican hospitality. Organized retreats are led by friars and/or laity.
Anyone who wishes to pray, regain their strength, discern, study, or take time to live peacefully in the midst of nature is welcome year-round!
Making a spiritual retreat at Taulignan Monastery
Those who wish may participate in what is the heart of the sisters' life: liturgical prayer, celebration of the Word of God, praise, and prayers.
For your spiritual retreat, join the Sisters for times of prayer
Silent prayer sessions, as well as "prayer walks," are also organized for those who wish to discover other ways of praying!
For those who wish to help the community through manual work while breathing in pleasant fragrances, a room containing aromatic plants for stripping is always open.
Guest testimonies are unanimous: liturgical prayer with the sisters contributes significantly to the benefits of their retreat.
"If you want to take a spiritual break or make a retreat, Taulignan Monastery will be ideal! You will be carried by the singing, the divine offices, and the prayers of the sisters. The fragrance of lavender, the oleanders, and the shade of the pergola will accompany you in praise." (testimony from Christine, retreatant)
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Geography and activities
Taulignan Monastery is located not far from cities of varying sizes such as Montpellier, Montélimar, and Lyon. The surrounding area offers plenty of activities and is full of natural and architectural gems!
The charming village of Taulignan in the Drôme
Taulignan is a beautiful small medieval town fortified in the 14th century. You can admire its exceptional built heritage, particularly the 700 meters of ramparts that surround the historic center.
Less than 4 miles from the monastery: the Provençal Château de Grignan
Just 4 miles from Taulignan stands the famous Château de Grignan. Built on a rocky promontory, it is the largest Renaissance castle in southeastern France! Made famous by the Marquise de Sévigné through her correspondence with her daughter, it has a tumultuous history.
12 miles away, stop in Nyons
Famous for its black olives, the town of Nyons is located in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park, the true showcase of typically Provençal biodiversity. Its olive grove is one of the Remarkable Taste Sites, and its Romanesque-era bridge is the pride of its residents.
Practical information
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