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Bouzy-la-Forêt Monastery

Bouzy-la-Forêt Loiret

Benedictines Nuns
Lodging12 rooms
StayFrom 1 to 7 nights

On the edge of the forest, the secret of the Eau d'Émeraude

The Notre-Dame du Calvaire Monastery in Bouzy-la-Forêt, in the Loiret, is home to a community of Benedictine nuns belonging to a congregation founded in the early 17th century in the wake of the Council of Trent, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. To earn their daily bread, the sisters distill the Eau d'Émeraude, a handcrafted lotion made from honey and aromatic plants, according to a recipe once passed down by an apothecary.

A place of peace on the edge of the forest, the monastery welcomes guests for a time of rest, silence, and sharing. Several times a year, "spiritual retreats" are offered to young people seeking renewal. During your stay, you are invited to a time of spiritual sharing and prayer with the community. All around, the forest offers wonderful opportunities for walks on foot or by bike.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

Benedictine guest houseAbout a dozen rooms · meals on site · open to individuals and groups
Prayer with the communityParticipation in the sisters' prayer times, spiritual sharing offered
Guided retreatsTwo recollection weekends per year, in spring and fall
Personalized accompanimentGuidance by a sister · possible participation in community life
Nature and walksSurrounding forest · hiking and cycling accessible from the monastery

Upcoming retreats

See all retreats at this place

Practical information

Who is welcome?

The guest house is open to individuals and groups. Outside of group stays, retreatants are primarily women and some couples. Men traveling alone are directed to the nearby Fleury Abbey in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire.

Prayer & liturgy

Retreatants are invited to join the community's prayer times. A spiritual sharing session is offered during the stay.

Retreats for young people

An introductory prayer itinerary is offered to young people in five spiritual weekend stops spread throughout the year.

Monastic stopover

For young women wishing for a longer stay: spiritual formation, sharing in community life within the enclosure, meals with the sisters, and spiritual guidance.

Entre-voir stay

3 to 7 days in the guest house, alone or with others. Personalized accompaniment by a sister and the opportunity to actively participate in community life through times of service and work.

Walks

The surrounding forest offers many opportunities for walking and cycling. Nearby: Fleury Abbey, the organs of Lorris, and the Carolingian oratory of Germigny-des-Prés.

Getting there

Train

Gien train station, then Rémi bus - line 3

Car

40-minute drive from Orléans

Bike

Ride along the idyllic banks of the Loire...

Location