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Sablonceaux Abbey

Sablonceaux Charente-Maritime Founded in 1986

Mixed
Lodging22 rooms
StayFrom 1 to 7 nights
Offices4/day

Founded in the 12th century in the Charente-Maritime countryside, Sablonceaux Abbey has been entrusted since 1986 to the Chemin Neuf Community, a Catholic community with an ecumenical vocation rooted in Jesuit and charismatic spirituality. Families and single people, consecrated persons and lay people, men and women, share prayer, work, and fraternal time together. The day is shaped by times of prayer open to all: contemplative prayer and Lauds in the morning, Eucharist at midday, Vespers and eucharistic adoration in the evening, with a prayer group every Tuesday evening.

Governed by the Rule of Saint Augustine and listed as a Historic Monument, the abbey offers an ideal setting for spiritual retreats and rest. Surrounded by fields, walking paths, and the river La Course de Sablonceaux, it welcomes guests for a time of renewal, near Saintes, Royan, and the thermal baths of Saujon.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

Sessions and retreatsIgnatian retreats, CANA sessions, biblical formation, inner healing retreats
Community prayerContemplative prayer, Lauds, Eucharist, Vespers, and adoration · participation is open to all
Accommodation19th-century presbytery and the Jonas building · single or double rooms
Self-catering mealsKitchen available · meals in your room or in the dining room
Natural settingCharente-Maritime countryside · walking paths, river, picnic spots

Practical information

Accommodation

The 19th-century presbytery offers 8 rooms (including 4 with two single beds). The Jonas building has 14 rooms on the upper floor (6 double, 8 single) with sinks, closets, and desks; shared showers and restrooms are located at the end of the hallway.

Meals

Meals are self-catered: a kitchen is available for guests. Groups use the dining rooms in the abbatial residence (4 rooms). Retreatants and pilgrims may also eat in their rooms.

Prayer

The day is structured around mental prayer and Lauds in the morning, the Eucharist at midday, and Vespers with eucharistic adoration in the evening. Every Tuesday evening, a prayer group is open to all.

Manual work

"Open Thursdays" are organized: grounds maintenance, cooking, cleaning, laundry, workshops, sewing... Everyone is welcome to contribute according to their skills and interests.

Oratory

A vaulted oratory in the private section of the abbey is open to anyone who wishes to use it during their stay.

Getting there

Train

Saujon SNCF station, then bus to Sablonceaux

Car

30 minutes from Royan, Saintes, or Rochefort

Bike

Via marked trails winding through vineyards, valleys, marshes, and forests

Location