THE CAVES OF SAINT-ANTOINE OF PADUA

This exceptional site, just a stone's throw from the town center, will immediately immerse you in an atmosphere of peace and beauty. On the southern outskirts of Brive-la-Gaillarde, between town and country, the national pilgrimage to St. Anthony of Padua offers walkers and pilgrims alike its five hectares of verdant parkland. Ever since Saint Anthony of Padua lived in these caves, this peaceful, harmonious site has been intimately linked to the history of the Limousin region. Having come to evangelize the south of France, the preacher spent almost a year in the region, notably in Brive from the summer of 1226. He founded a convent on the site of today's Grande Poste, on land donated by the Viscounty of Turenne. And it was in caves, of which there are many south of Brive, that he regularly withdrew to meditate, pray and study..

The cult of Saint Anthony of Padua spread rapidly. Only eleven months after his death, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX, and the following year his annual feast was celebrated in Brive. Many caves became places of pilgrimage. In Brive, the Franciscans built a hermitage above the central grotto in 1360. Wars and the Revolution did not discourage pilgrims, who continued to come in ever-growing numbers. But it wasn't until 1874 that the pilgrimage was officially opened and redevelopment work undertaken by the parish priest of Saint-Serin de Brive. The new convent, the large church and the Way of the Cross have made Brive the national center for the cult of Saint Anthony in France. For the various anniversaries of the liberation of Brive, the Grottes de Saint-Antoine site is always the occasion for cultural events recalling the strong involvement of the friars during the Resistance.

A community of Franciscan friars and lay people run the sanctuary, assisted by a secular Franciscan fraternity. The house welcomes individuals, families and groups for a spiritual break, rest or vacation (capacity: 50 people). The accommodation is very comfortable: single or double rooms with washbasin or full bathroom facilities. Full board is available (excellent meals). Preached retreats are organized. You'll be warmly welcomed by the Franciscan friars in this magnificent setting. Whether you're a pilgrim or just a visitor, don't hesitate to come and meet them!