Hautecombe Abbey
Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille Savoie Founded in 1125
Hautecombe Abbey, in Savoie, is a 12th-century Cistercian abbey standing on the western shore of Lac du Bourget, at the foot of Mont de Charvaz, and has been run since 1992 by the Communauté du Chemin Neuf, founded in Lyon in 1973. Around thirty brothers and sisters live there daily alongside some sixty young people in formation from 15 to 30 countries, in a place marked by more than 900 years of prayer and known as the necropolis of the House of Savoy.
The community welcomes young people aged 18 to 30 from around the world each year for retreats and formation programs lasting from a few weeks to several months. Guests come to rest, pray, or simply enjoy the silence and beauty of the place, sharing in the daily life of the abbey: liturgy, personal prayer, service, and fellowship, each at their own pace.
What awaits you
Upcoming retreats
Practical information
Liturgy
The community gathers at least three times a day in the abbey church. Lauds at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, Mass at 12:00 p.m. every day, Eucharistic adoration from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Vespers at 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Spi-potager
The abbey organizes spi-potager sessions throughout the year for those who wish to explore integral ecology and work the land.
Hiking
The abbey sits at the foot of Mont de Charvaz (1,158 m). Many hiking trails start from the neighboring village. Outings with a Brother from the abbey are possible.
Surroundings
Aix-les-Bains (10 km, the "Riviera of the Alps") is accessible by boat from the abbey's dock. Chambéry and its Château des Ducs de Savoie are 25 km away.
International community
About thirty Brothers and Sisters and some sixty young people in formation live at the abbey. Between 15 and 30 nationalities are represented each year.
Getting there
Travel to Chindrieux train station (where someone can come pick you up)
45 min from Annecy and Chambéry - 1h30 from Lyon - 30 min from Aix-les-Bains
A journey well worth the detour for cycling enthusiasts!