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Wisques Saint-Paul Abbey

Wisques Pas-de-Calais Founded in 1889

Benedictines Monks
StayFrom 1 to 7 nights
Offices8/day · from 05:00

Wisques Saint-Paul Abbey, in the Pas-de-Calais, is a Benedictine monastery nestled in the heart of nature, 25 kilometers from the sea and within the Parc naturel régional des caps et marais d'Opale. Fifteen monks live there according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, in the balance of prayer, study, and manual work: "Ora, lege et labora." They gather eight times a day for the Divine Office, nourish their prayer life through lectio divina, and share in many craft activities (vegetable garden, woodwork, garden, orchard, bakery, kitchen, jams, shop, and ceramics workshop).

In the exceptional setting of the Morinie, a land of Marian and monastic tradition, the monks welcome retreatants for a spiritual retreat lived at the rhythm of monastic life. The surrounding area invites walking, with hiking trails through the countryside, the Audomarois marshes near Saint-Omer, and the Côte d'Opale.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

Open to allBelievers and non-believers alike are welcome, whether seeking silence, renewal, or reflection, on their own or with the guidance of a monk.
Gregorian chant officesParticipation in the monks' liturgical prayer, sung in Gregorian chant and Latin.
Spiritual guidanceSpiritual accompaniment by a monk, available on request.
Separate guest accommodationsMen are housed within the monastic enclosure (15 places); women and groups stay in two houses in the village.
Nature and walksExtensive grounds, vegetable garden, orchard, and hiking trails through the surrounding countryside.

Practical information

Accommodation

Men are housed in the monastic guest house (15 places) with individual cells and a library. Women, couples, families, and groups have access to two houses in the village of Wisques, with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, bathroom, and garden.

Meals

Men take their meals with the monks in the refectory, accompanied by spiritual reading. Guests staying in the village houses prepare their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen.

Manual work

Retreatants may, if they wish, assist the community with light manual tasks: cooking, and maintaining the houses and gardens. Participation is entirely free and optional.

Offices and prayer

Participation in the monks' Liturgy of the Hours is a requirement for staying in the guest house. Students commit to attending at least two offices per day. The rest of the time is free for reading, reflection, and walks.

Connectivity

There is no Wi-Fi at the abbey, but mobile network coverage is available.

Setting and surroundings

The abbey is located in the Parc naturel régional des caps et marais d'Opale, 25 km from the sea. Hiking trails, the Audomarois marshes, the Côte d'Opale, and the remains of medieval abbeys are all accessible on foot or by car.

Getting there

Train

Travel to Saint-Omer (2 hours from Paris), then 10 minutes by taxi

Car

Head due north; Wisques is between Béthune and Calais

Bike

Through the stunning Audomarois marshes!

Location