Monastery of Craon
Craon Mayenne Founded in 1653
The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception of Craon, in Mayenne, is home to the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, an institute founded in 1653 in Paris by Catherine de Bar, known as Mother Mectilde of the Blessed Sacrament. Established since 1829 in a former 17th-century Dominican convent, the twelve nuns follow the Rule of Saint Benedict according to the formula of Ora et Labora, with a particular mission: to adore the Blessed Sacrament day and night. Their work consists of hand-decorating porcelain and making rosaries.
Located 30 km southwest of Laval, in the charming small town of Craon, the sisters welcome retreatants for restorative and contemplative stays. The day, shaped by seven offices and Gregorian chant, is divided between prayer, study, and work in an atmosphere of silence. Many retreatants say they find a true inner peace here.
What awaits you
Practical information
Meals
Lunch and dinner are not provided by the community. A fully equipped kitchen is available for retreatants to prepare their own meals independently.
Adoration & liturgical offices
Guests are warmly invited to the silent adoration times, offered throughout the day and one night per week. The offices are accompanied by the sisters' Gregorian chant, several times a day.
Access
The guest house is open to families, friends, and those on a spiritual retreat. Men on their own are accepted by recommendation only.
Setting & surroundings
The monastery is located in the heart of Craon, 30 km from Laval. Nearby: ponds, an 18th-century château, neighboring abbeys (la Coudre, Solesmes Abbey), and the Marian sanctuary of Pontmain.
Getting there
SNCF Laval station (70 min from Paris, then coach service several times a day between Laval and Craon)
30 km southwest of Laval via the N 178, 1 hour from Rennes and only 3 hours from Paris
Along the banks of the Oudon, a tributary of the Mayenne flowing beneath the windows of the monastery