Skip to content

Monastery of the Poor Clares of Nantes

Nantes Loire-Atlantique Founded in 1457

Franciscans Nuns
Lodging6 rooms
StayFrom 1 to 7 nights
Offices6/day · from 07:25
LanguagesFR

A praying lung in the heart of the city

The monastery of the Poor Clares of Nantes, located in the very center of the city in the Pays de la Loire region, is home to a contemplative community living according to the Rule of Saint Clare of Assisi. Present in Nantes since 1457, dispersed during the Revolution and then exiled to Italy in 1911, the sisters returned to the site of the current monastery. Ranging in age from 30 to 90, they lead a life shaped by prayer, spiritual reading, work (printing and bookbinding), and community time, all lived in Franciscan joy, fraternity, and simplicity.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by lively districts, the monastery offers a place of recollection. The Poor Clares welcome young women for a personalized stay to breathe, rest, and discover the beauty of this life: sharing times of prayer, meals, and monastic activities. The chapel remains open to all during the day.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

Two hospitality optionsMonastic pause (1 night to a few days) or discovery stay (72 hours minimum) · dates arranged on a case-by-case basis
Life shared with the Poor ClaresPrayer, work, service, and community gatherings according to the length of the stay
Personalized accompanimentMeeting with a sister · deeper exploration of the spirituality of Saint Clare is possible
Hospitality at the heart of the monastery6 rooms, small kitchen, dining room, oratory · reserved for young women
Meals according to the stayIn the guest house for short stays · in the refectory with the community for discovery stays

Upcoming retreats

See all retreats at this place

Practical information

Who can come?

Hospitality is reserved for young women between 18 and 35 years old. As the monastery is at the heart of the enclosure, it is not possible to welcome men.

Meals

For a short stay (less than 72 hours), meals are taken independently at the guest house, with access to a small kitchen and dining room. For a monastic discovery stay (minimum 72 hours), meals are shared with the community in the refectory.

Arrival & departure

Dates and length of stay are to be determined on a case-by-case basis, directly with the community.

Liturgy

Retreatants are invited to participate in the monastic offices. The chapel is also accessible to all during the day.

Getting there

Train

Just steps from the Nantes train station! Bus (lines 12 or C2, Bel Air stop)

Car

A11 from Angers and Paris, N137 from Rennes

Bike

5 minutes from the train station, though you'll need more time to get your gear together

Location