Carmel d'Yzeron
Yzeron Rhône Founded in 1861
The Carmel d'Yzeron is a Carmelite monastery located in the Monts du Lyonnais, at an altitude of 2,600 feet and forty minutes west of Lyon. Founded in 1861 in Oullins, the community moved to Yzeron in 1967, on the site of the former "Beau Site" hotel, from which the view opens onto Lyon and the Rhône valley. At the heart of their prayer life is mental prayer, two hours of silent prayer each day, balanced between a hermit's life of work, solitude, and silence, and a fraternal life lived through liturgy, shared encounters, and meals.
The Sisters welcome retreatants to walk in the footsteps of the great figures of Carmel: Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The village of Yzeron, committed to preserving the natural environment, offers nearby lakes, Romanesque chapels, and hiking trails in the peaceful setting of the Monts du Lyonnais.
What awaits you
Practical information
Accommodation
The guest house includes 2 double rooms and 2 single rooms, with a dining room, library, and bathrooms. Sheets and towels are provided. The setting is simple, in keeping with the Carmelite spirit.
Meals
Meals are served on site. As the Carmelites are cloistered nuns, guests take their meals separately from the community.
Meeting with a sister
It is possible to request a meeting with a Sister during your stay. The Carmelites live in enclosure: meal times, work, and leisure are not shared with guests.
Chapel
The Carmel chapel is open throughout the day. You are welcome to join the sisters for the Divine Office and Mass, or simply come to pray in silence.
Setting and surroundings
Located at 2,600 feet above sea level in the Monts du Lyonnais, the Carmel offers a view over Lyon and the Rhône valley. Hiking trails, the Ronzey lake, and Romanesque chapels are accessible nearby.
Getting there
By public transit: bus 11 from metro line B, Gare d'Oullins station, stop Thurins Mairie; or C202 from metro line D, Gorge de Loup station, stop Thurins Le Pont.
Enter 33, Grande Rue, Yzeron (69510) in your GPS!
Be aware: the Monts du Lyonnais area involves significant hills, both up and down.