François Palau Spiritual Center
Caylus Tarn-et-Garonne Founded in 1956
In the southern Quercy region, two kilometers from the village of Caylus, in Tarn-et-Garonne, the François Palau Spiritual Center is a place of prayer and recollection run by the Missionary Carmelite Sisters, near the Notre-Dame de Livron Sanctuary. Founded in 1860 by Father François Palau, a Spanish Carmelite monk, this community arrived at Livron in 1956 and belongs to the Carmelite family of Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint John of the Cross, and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. The sisters lead times of prayer at the sanctuary, maintain the grounds, and welcome pilgrims, friends, and visitors.
Nestled in a lush green valley in the southern part of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, the center offers a peaceful and refreshing setting. The sisters welcome individuals and groups for a retreat, a time of meditation, or simply a restful stay. Fluent in both French and Spanish, they make this a particularly welcoming place for Spanish-speaking guests. The surrounding area invites walks and hikes, on foot or by mountain bike.
What awaits you
Practical information
Liturgy
Daily Mass at 9:00 a.m. from Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday. Lauds at 7:30 a.m. and Vespers at 5:00 p.m. Retreatants are welcome to attend freely.
Accommodation
25 single and double rooms for a maximum of 35 people. Bed linens are provided by the center. Towels are not provided but can be made available upon request.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on site in the center's 3 dining rooms.
Library & wifi
A library is available to retreatants, with wifi access.
Activities
Hiking and mountain biking from the center. Cultural and sports activities in the area: nature parks, medieval villages, tennis, horseback riding, fishing, and swimming pool.
Welcome
The Carmelite missionary sisters welcome individuals and groups. They speak French and Spanish, making this a particularly welcoming place for Spanish-speaking visitors.
Getting there
Caussade train station, then taxi or bus to Caylus.
A61 (Caussade exit)
We recommend it!