Our Lady of Joy at Pontcalec (Dominican Sisters of the Holy Spirit)
Berné Morbihan Founded in 1955
At Pontcalec, in the heart of Brittany, the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Spirit lead a religious life centered primarily on teaching. Established on the estate since 1955, at the initiative of Father Victor-Alain Berto, a priest of the diocese of Vannes, they live on a lush estate of around twenty hectares, at the edge of which stands the Sainte-Anne-des-Bois chapel, built in 1865 and now open to pilgrims and walkers.
Located in the Pontcalec state forest, in the heart of the Scorff valley, 30 km north of Lorient and one hour from Vannes, the estate offers an ideal setting for a spiritual retreat. The sisters welcome anyone seeking renewal, in a natural environment that invites a change of scenery and quiet.
What awaits you
Practical information
Accommodation
Three independent guest houses: a large house sleeping 16 (7 rooms, kitchens, living rooms), a small house for 3-4 people (2 rooms, fully equipped kitchen), and a rustic house with 5 rooms, ideal for scout groups or youth retreats.
Bed linens
Bed linens are not provided. Please remember to bring your own.
Meals
Meals (lunch and dinner) are self-catered on site. Each house has a fully equipped kitchen.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available upon request from the Sisters.
Liturgy
The Divine Office, sung in Gregorian chant, and the daily Mass in Latin mark the rhythm of the Sisters' day. Retreatants are welcome to attend freely.
Access & transportation
Located in the Pontcalec state forest, 10 minutes from Plouay. Hennebont train station is 25 minutes away by car, Lorient train station is 35 minutes away. Bus shuttles from Hennebont (CTRL lines no. 40 E or 15).
Getting there
Lorient train station, then bus line CTRL no. 40E or 15, stops Plouay-Gare routière or Berné-Mairie. A Sister will come pick you up by car.
Between Pontivy and Lorient
Follow the banks of the Kerustang stream...