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Abbaye Saint-Martin du Canigou

Casteil Pyrénées-Orientales Founded in 1009

Mixed
Stay3 nights minimum

Abbaye Saint-Martin du Canigou, a thousand-year-old monument founded in 1009 and perched at 1,055 meters above sea level on a rocky peak in the Pyrenees, has been animated since 1988 by the Beatitudes community. Born in 1973 in the wake of the Charismatic Renewal, this ecclesial Family of consecrated life brings together sisters, brothers, and lay people around prayer, praise, liturgy, and fraternal life, in openness to the Holy Spirit.

The community welcomes young people for extended retreats, from one month to one year, to share a simple and renewing rhythm of community life. Retreatants of all ages are also welcome for short stays of three to six days, from Tuesday morning to Sunday afternoon, in a mountain setting of great beauty.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

Exceptional natural settingAt 1,055 m above sea level in the Pyrenees, with the isolation that fosters renewal
Community lifeLiturgical and fraternal times, with meals generally shared as a community
Spiritual guidanceRegular meetings with a spiritual director, on request or included depending on the program
Tailored formationContent and pace adapted to each person, with teachings and group sharing
Short retreats available3 to 6 days for adults, with participation in the liturgy and the life of the house

Practical information

Arrival & departure

The abbey is not accessible by car. Plan on approximately a 45-minute walk from the village of Casteil along the abbey path, with some elevation gain.

Liturgy

Retreatants are invited to participate in the offices. For short retreats: participation in Saturday Vespers, Sunday Mass, and one liturgy per day on weekdays. For long retreats: involvement in the prayer life according to the chosen format.

Household duties

Each retreatant takes part in household tasks. For short retreats, one hour each morning is dedicated to shared chores.

Length of stay

Short retreats: 3 to 6 days (Tuesday morning to Sunday afternoon). Long retreats for ages 18-30: 1 month (Welcome à l'Abbaye) or 3 months to 1 year (Break time in God).

Closed periods

Short retreats are not available in January, the week following Easter, the week following Christmas, or from July 1 to August 31.

Getting there

Train

The train stops at Perpignan, followed by about an hour by bus and a twenty-minute walk.

Car

A few kilometers from the N116, follow the road to Casteil!

Bike

Not recommended, unless you're a Tour de France champion!

Location