Fleury Abbey
Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire Loiret Founded in 630
On the banks of the Loire, a vessel of light
Fleury Abbey, located in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire in the Loiret department, is a Benedictine abbey founded around 630, at the heart of the Val de Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for housing the relics of Saint Benedict since the late 7th century, refounded in 1944 by the monks of La Pierre-qui-Vire, it is home today to twenty monks whose days are shaped by six offices (Lauds, Terce, Eucharist, None, Vespers, and Vigils) and Gregorian chant. Faithful to the Benedictine Rule (Ora et Labora), the brothers lead a simple life of community service and craftsmanship.
Bordered by the Loire, 30 km east of Orléans, the abbey's majestic 11th-century Romanesque church unfolds in vast proportions, its interplay of light making it a true vessel of stone for quiet recollection. It welcomes men, women, couples, and groups: guests come to find renewal by the river, to pray with the community, to rest and embrace silence, in a setting conducive to recollection and contemplation.
What awaits you
Upcoming retreats
Practical information
Accommodation
Four separate buildings: interior guest house (men only, meals in the monks' refectory), exterior guest house (women, couples, mixed groups), Logis Saint-Michel (self-catering studios and apartments), and Le Clos (5 dormitories for youth groups, up to 39 people).
Meals
Meals are taken in the monks' refectory for guests of the interior guest house (men), or in the guest house refectory for others. Logis Saint-Michel offers fully self-catering accommodation.
Liturgy
Six offices celebrated each day: Lauds, Terce, Eucharist, None, Vespers, and Vigils. Retreatants are invited to participate, at least in part. The monks chant in Gregorian chant.
Spiritual guidance
Individual spiritual guidance with a brother of the community is available upon request.
Study retreats
The abbey welcomes students, alone or in small groups, for study retreats: exam preparation with a commitment to attend at least one office per day.
Surroundings
Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire is located 30 km east of Orléans, on the banks of the Loire. Nearby: the oratory of Germigny-des-Prés (5 km), the château de Sully-sur-Loire (8 km), and the cycling route "La Loire à vélo".
Getting there
From Orléans train station, take bus line 3A from the bus station, direction Les Bordes, and get off at Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire (approximately 1 hour).
A10, exit Orléans Nord, then N60, exit Châteauneuf; A77, exit Montargis Nord.
We recommend it... Enjoy the cycling paths along the Loire and their idyllic scenery!