Carmel Notre-Dame de Surieu
Saint-Romain-de-Surieu Isère Founded in 1901
Carmel Notre-Dame de Surieu stands 60 km south of Lyon, on the heights of the commune of Saint-Romain-de-Surieu, in Isère, where a community of Carmelite nuns leads a contemplative life. Founded originally in Paray-le-Monial in 1901, the community settled in 1984 on the hill of Surieu, building its monastery on the ruins of a 12th-century medieval castle. Today, fourteen Carmelites follow the Rule of Carmel, "meditating day and night on the Word of the Lord and watching in prayer," with mental prayer, personal and silent, at the heart of their life.
Nestled in a lush green setting along the Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago), the monastery overlooks the Rhône valley and faces Mont Pilat. Its chapel, open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., is accessible to all. In the surrounding area, hiking trails, castles, and vineyards of the Rhône valley invite leisurely walks.
What awaits you
Upcoming retreats
Practical information
Chapel
The chapel is at the heart of the monastery and is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Retreatants are invited to join the sisters for the offices and times of silent contemplative prayer.
Manual work
Retreatants can lend a hand to the sisters with outdoor or manual tasks. A great way to clear your head while contributing to the life of the community.
Walks & pilgrimages
The sisters have developed pilgrimage routes with texts for meditation, from the train station to the Carmel and around the monastery. Ask about these when booking.
Who is welcome
Retreats are open to young people aged 18 to 35. Two options are available: "Souffle" weekends (2 to 3 days, alone or in a small group) and custom retreats (individual, limited to 7 days, with 5 days recommended for a first experience).
Getting there
Le-Péage-de-Roussillon is the nearest train station (on the Lyon-Avignon line) and is located 8km from the Carmel (taxi or carpooling possible)
The Carmel is located near the A7.
A short stop at the Carmel during a ride along the Rhône?