Ligugé Abbey
Ligugé Vienne Founded in 361
The cradle of Western monasticism, founded by the apostle of the Gauls
Ligugé Abbey, located in the Vienne department, is a Benedictine monastery founded by Saint Martin of Tours in 361, making it the oldest monastic establishment in the West still in operation. The community today numbers nineteen monks, ranging in age from 33 to 89, who live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict: their daily life is shaped by prayer, work, and fraternal community life. The brothers pursue studies in patrology and Assyriology, have worked with enamel for more than sixty years, and produce a pastry called SCOFA, sold in the abbey's shops.
Beneath the avenue leading to the current abbey church, the remains of the original fourth-century building have been uncovered. From the vestiges of the first abbey to the present-day structures, this layered heritage traces the religious and architectural history of France, set within a peaceful, verdant park.
What awaits you
Practical information
Length of stay
The stay is a minimum of 2 nights and cannot exceed one week.
Saint-Paul-Primerose annex
An annex located 800 m south of the abbey welcomes groups or individuals. It has 9 rooms with bunk beds, an oratory, a meeting room, a kitchen, and a dining room. Meals can be prepared on-site by self-sufficient groups, or provided by the abbey and picked up at the monastery by prior arrangement (schedule, location, and organization).
Meals
Meals are taken in silence on-site in the monks' refectory for certain men who wish to do so, and in the guest house refectory for others.
Nearby heritage sites
Poitiers and its Romanesque monuments (Notre-Dame-la-Grande), the Château de Touffou, the medieval city of Chauvigny and its five castles, as well as the Futuroscope are all accessible from the abbey.
Getting there
SNCF Poitiers-Angoulême line, Ligugé station (200 m from the abbey)
Head toward Ligugé, from Poitiers, near Saint-Benoît and Croutelle
Beautiful rides await you in the surrounding area! And it's eco-friendly too!