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Abbaye Sainte-Marie de la Pierre-qui-Vire

Saint-Léger-Vauban Yonne Founded in 1850

Benedictines Monks
StayFrom 1 to 7 nights
Offices7/day

Abbaye Sainte-Marie de la Pierre-qui-Vire, in Bourgogne, is a Benedictine monastery nestled in the heart of the Morvan, 25 kilometers south of Avallon, in the Yonne department. Founded in 1850 by Father Muard and received into the Benedictine order in 1859, the community belongs to the Subiaco Montecassino Congregation. Each day is shaped by seven offices (Vigils, Lauds, Eucharist, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline) and by a simple life of prayer, community life, work, and hospitality, with no activity outside the monastery.

Surrounded by a vast forest crossed by streams and dotted with lakes, ponds, and hiking trails, the abbey offers a natural setting of rare beauty. The brothers welcome retreatants in two guest houses: guests come to cultivate silence and recollection, take part in the liturgy, open the Bible, pray in the church or oratory, or walk through the woods.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

Prayer and officesSeven offices celebrated each day · participation is open to all
Spiritual guidanceA meeting with a brother is possible, upon request
Forest and natureWalks in the woods, lakes, and trails around the abbey
Meals in silenceBreakfast and dinner in silence · lunch shared together
Group accommodationUp to 30 people · dormitories or rooms depending on the group

Practical information

Liturgy

Seven offices are celebrated each day: Vigils, Lauds, Eucharist, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. Retreatants are welcome at all the offices. The church and oratory are accessible for personal prayer.

Meals

Breakfast is self-service, taken in silence. Lunch is enjoyed with conversation. Dinner is served in silence, accompanied by music.

Accommodation

There are two guest houses: the lower guest house, attached to the monastery, and "Béthanie," about a hundred meters away, for groups (small dormitories) or families with young children. Groups can have up to 30 people.

Disconnecting

The abbey has no mobile phone coverage and no Wi-Fi. An ideal stay for a true digital detox.

Manual work

The brothers may, when possible, offer assistance in the permaculture garden. This is not a regular activity but an occasional possibility depending on needs.

Group stays

High school chaplaincies and student groups, Christian or inter-denominational movements are welcome. Youth groups are accepted from the equivalent of 11th grade onward. Children can only be welcomed for day visits.

Getting there

Train

Avallon train station, then take a taxi

Car

Via the A38 from Dijon

Bike

With a breathtaking final stretch through the forest entrance

Location