La Tourette Convent
Éveux Rhône Founded in 1953
The Sainte-Marie de La Tourette convent, in Éveux, approximately 25 km northwest of Lyon, is Le Corbusier's last major work in France, built between 1953 and 1960. It is home to a Dominican community of around ten religious: some work on site, others outside, and most alternate between the two. Days on site are structured around times of work, exchange, and communal prayer.
A house of welcome, sharing, reflection, and prayer, the convent invites anyone who wishes to experience this exceptional landmark of modern architecture. The community welcomes professional and faith-based groups, as well as individuals, for one or more days. Offices and Masses are open to the faithful on weekdays and every Sunday. Set within an area classified as "Coteaux du Lyonnais," near Beaujolais, it offers a truly unique spiritual and cultural retreat.
What awaits you
Practical information
Meals
Meals are served at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the large refectory. The atmosphere is warm and family-like, and it is common to meet one of the community's ten brothers there. Evening menus are vegetarian, with wine and coffee included.
Accommodation
Guests stay in one of the 50 individual cells of the convent, designed by Le Corbusier. Sheets and towels are provided.
Liturgical offices and chapel
The oratory and the church are open to all. Liturgical offices and Masses are open to the faithful on weekdays and every Sunday.
Meeting rooms
Rooms ranging from 18 to 85 sq. m., equipped with projectors and screens, are available for rent to groups. Larger, more rustic rooms are located in the convent's farm, 300 meters away.
Guided tours
Guided tours of the convent are offered to groups and individuals, by registration.
Surroundings
The convent has a park of several dozen hectares and a forest. Hiking and mountain biking are available in the Monts du Lyonnais, with walks in the nearby Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées.
Getting there
By train to l'Arbresle station (then a 30-minute walk to the Convent, or taxi available)
By car, via the A89 highway, l'Arbresle exit
To get yourself in the spirit of Le Corbusier, who himself completed an initiatory journey of 10,000 km by bike in 1910!