Chantelle Abbey
Chantelle Allier Founded in 1853
Between wild gorges and flowering gardens, a time of rest
Abbaye Saint-Vincent de Chantelle, in the Allier department, is home to the Benedictine nuns of Chantelle, who live there according to the Rule and spirit of Saint Benedict, balancing work and prayer. Established in 1853 on a rocky spur overlooking the gorges of the Bouble river, the community carries on the vocation of the site's earliest inhabitants, in a place marked by a beautiful Romanesque church and the remains of the château of the Dukes of Bourbon. The nuns' day follows the rhythm of the Hours, the fixed times of sung prayer in the church, and a large part of the day is devoted to work, including the making of natural cosmetic products.
In this exceptional natural setting, the sisters welcome retreatants for a time of rest and renewal. Guests come to experience the monastic tradition, shaped by the liturgical offices, times of silence, and communal gatherings, all of which anyone may attend freely.
What awaits you
Practical information
Accommodation
The guest house offers 18 rooms for individual stays. For groups, around fifteen rooms are available, with a capacity of up to 25 people. A comfortable refuge is also available for pilgrims and hikers on the Way of Saint James (GR 300).
Work rooms
Two work rooms are available for groups or students wishing to study. The flower gardens also provide a pleasant setting for working outdoors.
Nature & hiking
The Bouble gorges, classified as a Sensitive Natural Heritage site, lie below the monastery. Marked trails, centuries-old trees, and the sounds of water and birdsong. The Giverzat forest allows for an extended walk.
Way of Saint James
The abbey is directly on the Way of Saint James in Bourbonnais (GR 300). Pilgrims and hikers passing through can find comfortable refuge here.
Getting there
Get off at Vichy and take a bus (line E) to Chantelle — be sure to book in advance and confirm the day before departure!
The town of Gannat, served by the A71 Clermont-Paris highway, is 20 kilometers southeast of the monastery.
Get there by bike (a mountain bike, really) — it's well worth the ride!