Abbaye du Val d'Igny
Arcis-le-Ponsart Marne Founded in 1126
Abbaye Notre-Dame du Val d'Igny, located in the Marne department 35 kilometers west of Reims, is home to a community of Cistercian sisters belonging to the Cistercian Order founded by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. Nearly a thousand years old, founded in 1126, the abbey lives today to the rhythm of Ora et Labora: chanted offices, personal prayer, and reading and meditation on Scripture alternate with studious and manual work (chocolate-making, hospitality, crafts), in an atmosphere of fraternal warmth.
The community welcomes individuals and groups for stays of 1 to 8 days, with a great deal of independence. Surrounded by the Champagne countryside, the abbey offers opportunities for long walks to discover the surrounding nature and ancient villages. On site, you can sample the famous chocolates made by the sisters, including their celebrated bouchons d'Igny.
What awaits you
Practical information
Meals
Lunches and dinners are served on site. Retreatants who wish to do so may eat in silence in a separate dining room. They are asked to tidy their room and help with the communal dishes after meals.
Liturgical offices
Guests are invited to join the community for prayer. On weekdays: Vigils (4:45 a.m.), Lauds and Mass (7:15 a.m.), Terce (9:00 a.m.), Sext (12:15 p.m.), None (2:15 p.m.), Vespers (5:30 p.m.), Compline (7:45 p.m.).
Library
A library is available to guests to nourish their reflection, faith, and prayer. A garden is also accessible.
Natural surroundings
The abbey is bordered by the Champagne countryside, 35 km west of Reims. Long walks are possible to discover the surrounding nature and ancient villages.
Getting there
Dormans or Fismes train station, then taxi
A4, exit 21 Dormans
Through the hills of the Côte champenoise