La Paix Notre-Dame Priory in Flée
Flée Sarthe Founded in 1946
La Paix Notre-Dame Priory is a Benedictine monastery established in 1947 in Flée, in the heart of the Loir Valley countryside, in the southern part of the Sarthe department, midway between Le Mans and Tours. Founded in 1946 by women who envisioned an authentic monastic life adapted to those with fragile health, the community belongs to the Order of Saint Benedict and the Notre-Dame de la Rencontre Federation. Divine praise, sung in Gregorian chant, and the welcoming of guests shape the rhythm of the sisters' lives, supported by various activities (vegetable garden, partnerships with an herbalist and a ceramicist).
Set slightly above the surrounding landscape, in an 18th-century manor house built against a hillside and extended by cave dwellings, the priory offers a view over the Loir Valley in a peaceful, nature-filled setting. The sisters welcome you for a time of retreat, in a simple and prayerful atmosphere centered around the chapel, which was arranged in 1977.
What awaits you
Upcoming retreats
Practical information
Meals
Meals are prepared by the community and brought to the guest house. They are taken together (capacity of 20 people). It is possible to request to eat separately in silence. Special diets for medical reasons can be accommodated under certain conditions.
Accommodation
The guest house has 8 rooms: 4 single rooms and 2 double rooms on the upper floor (shared shower and restrooms), plus 2 ground-floor rooms for guests who cannot use the stairs. All rooms have a sink. Bed linens and towels are provided.
Chapel & library
The chapel is accessible to guests and visitors throughout the day. A small library is also available to guests.
Manual work
Guests may take part in community life tasks: peeling vegetables, harvesting from the kitchen garden, gardening, and maintenance work. Retreat workshops combining clay work and spirituality are also offered.
Surroundings
A greenway (voie verte) is accessible just steps from the monastery. The vast Bercé national forest, the Lac des Varennes in Marçon (swimming possible), and a wide range of cultural and sports activities are available in the area.
Getting there
Gare de Château du Loir
For access by car, enter "les maisons rouges" in Flée (72500)
Remco Evenepoel in full acceleration through the forests of Sarthe