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Maison de la Parole

Beaugency Loiret Founded in 1629

Sisters
Lodging28 rooms
Stay1 night minimum
Offices3/day · from 08:30
LanguagesFR

A 17th-century convent on the Loire, a place to rest and read the Word

Maison de la Parole occupies part of the Ursuline convent of Beaugency, in the Loiret. The sisters arrived here in 1629, called by the town to provide free schooling for young girls. The first stone of the convent was laid in 1647, and the buildings have since served as a school, a hospital, a hospice, and even a maternity ward. You can easily walk past without noticing it. Behind the high walls, eight sisters still live in community, and a large, tree-filled garden looks out over the Loire.

Since 2000, the diocese of Orléans and the Ursulines have entrusted the house with a mission: to discover, meditate on, and live the Word of God, and to welcome everyone without distinction, whatever their path. Sisters and volunteers receive individuals as well as groups, for a day or for more than a week. You can come to rest, follow one of the retreats on the program, or simply enjoy the quiet of the chapel and the garden.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

An Ursuline communityEight sisters live on site, in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici, who founded the Ursulines in 1535.
Praying with the sistersLauds in the morning, Vespers in the evening in the chapel. You come when you wish — nothing is required.
Retreats throughout the yearPsalms, Saint Paul, Marie de l'Incarnation, icon writing: the program ranges from one day to eight days.
Speaking with a sisterIf you wish, a sister can listen to you or accompany you during your stay.
A garden above the LoireA large, tree-filled garden, a chapel open at all hours, and the banks of the Loire just steps away for walking.

Practical information

Accommodation

28 single, double, or triple rooms, for a total of 48 beds. The comfort is simple and bathrooms are shared. Two rooms are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Bed linens are provided; towels should be brought or can be rented on site.

Meals

All meals can be served on site. They are prepared by an ESAT and served by volunteers, and must be ordered at least one month in advance. You may also bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy it in a dining room. Meals are not taken with the community. For a special diet, please let them know when making your request.

Arrival and departure

Arrival before 6:00 PM. Departure is flexible, after discussing it with the team. The house closes during the first two weeks of August and during Christmas week.

Groups

Up to 48 people with accommodation, and 50 for day visits. Several meeting rooms and three dining rooms are available. Scouts may sleep in the rooms or under tents in the garden.

Contribution to expenses

Expect €60 to €65 per day, meals included. The price can be adjusted for smaller budgets: costs should not prevent you from coming. Payment by cash, check, or bank transfer.

Office schedule*

  • Lauds08:30
  • Mass11:30
  • Vespers18:30

Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Tuesday, Vespers at 6:10 p.m. On Saturday, no Lauds or Mass: Vespers at 6:30 p.m. and Compline at 8:30 p.m.

  • Lauds09:00
  • Mass11:00
  • Vespers18:30
  • Compline20:30

Sunday Mass is celebrated at the Notre-Dame abbey church, the parish church of Beaugency.

Schedules are given as a guide and may change depending on the time of year.

Getting there

Train

The train station is a 10-minute walk from the convent.

Car

Parking available on the property.

Exit from the A10 highway, 15 minutes away. Orléans is a 20-minute drive.

Bike

The convent is on the Loire à Vélo cycling route, between Orléans and Blois.

Location

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