Spiritual retreats are becoming increasingly popular. They offer the opportunity to recharge one's batteries in the midst of pristine landscapes. That's why we've selected the best destinations for spiritual retreats in France.
1. Sénanque Abbey
A light gray bell tower overlooking fields of lavender as far as the eye can see: Sénanque Abbey is a must-see in Provence, especially as it lies on the famous lavender route. But did you know it's possible to have an even more immersive experience of the mythical edifice? The monastic guesthouse at Sénanque Abbey offers spiritual retreats. You'll be welcomed by a brother andspend your stay in silence, meals included, while accompanying the monks in their daily prayers. The beauty of the 850-year-old building and the breathtaking natural setting of the Cistercian Abbey de Sénanque encourage contemplation and peace. Please note that your stay must not exceed 6 days.
2. Mont-Saint-Michel
It's hard to believe that it's possible to withdraw from the world in the heart of one of the world's most visited sites. And yet, the monastic fraternities of Jerusalem perpetuate the sacred character of this deeply spiritual site. In the heart of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Logis Saint-Abraham welcomes those seeking peace. Following the rhythm of the community's brothers and sisters, you'll join in the prayers by attending the three daily services, and sit down to meals with the monks. You'll enjoy simple comforts and can stay for up to five days. You can be welcomed alone, as a couple, as a family or even in a group.
3. Taizé
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is home to one of the best places for a spiritual retreat in France: Taizé. People from all over the world gather here to commune and share a profound moment of spirituality and unity. Unlike the two previous retreats, Taizé puts the emphasis on meeting people, so that everyone can participate in community life. There will be Bible readings, prayers, reflection workshops, meditation, and some even choose to spend their stay in silence to better appreciate it. Although Taizé has a Catholic tradition, it is also an ecumenical one, meaning that it has a universal value that benefits all Christian denominations.
4. Notre-dame de Ganagobie Monastery
The Monastère Notre-dame de Ganagobie, a remarkable Benedictine abbey dating back to the 10th century, is located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France. This spiritual site organizes retreats alongside the monks. It welcomes believers and lay people alike, alone or in couples, provided they have reached the age of majority. Fourteen rooms are available, including three for married couples. The retreat will be punctuated by prayers, and it is also possible to take a step back from oneself by walking the many paths that surround Notre-dame de Ganagobie Abbey.
5. The village of Les Pruniers
Unlike most of the sites featured in this selection of the best places to go for a spiritual retreat in France, this one is not run by a Christian community, but a Buddhist one. Village des Pruniers is a meditation center founded in 1982 by the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Over 200 monks live here, making it the largest Buddhist monastery in Europe. The village of Les Pruniers organizes retreats, inviting you to cultivate mindfulness while practicing meditation throughout the day. The center is made up of several villages set in some of the most beautiful countryside in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
6. Hautecombe Abbey
Although one of the most visited sites in Savoie, Hautecombe Abbey is in fact an ideal place to retreat from the world. The Chemin Neuf Catholic community welcomes young people aged 18 to 30 from all over the world. Silent retreats invite contemplation, rest and prayer. Founded over 900 years ago, Hautecombe Abbey is a place steeped in spirituality where you can accompany the religious in their daily life, with 3 to 4 daily prayer times. Every day, personal accompaniment is offered to help you find God within yourself.
7. Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer Abbey
Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer Abbey is the ideal place for a spiritual retreat in France, where you can enjoy the benefits of the sea in one of the most beautiful parts of the Côtes-d'Armor region. It is located in Brittany. This Benedictine monastery, founded in the 5th century, offers retreats organized by the sisters of the community. They welcome anyone, religious or lay, seeking to rest, recharge their batteries, meditate or simply relax. The retreats at Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer Abbey are highly varied, depending on the program organized by the community. Its location on a peninsula makes it all the more conducive to meditation.
8. Vézelay Abbey
Vézelay is a well-known site for spiritual enthusiasts, as it is the starting point for one of the most beautiful Christian pilgrimages: the via Lemovicensis, one of the main routes to Santiago de Compostela. Right next to the 12th-century basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay, you'll be welcomed by the brothers and sisters of the Jerusalem fraternity, who have been providing liturgical services at the basilica since 1993. They will invite you to share their prayer times and meals. This is a silent retreat.
9. Mont-des-Cats Abbey
Mont-des-Cats Abbey is the ideal place for a spiritual retreat in the Hauts-de-France region. This 19th-century Cistercian monastery is perched on the hill of the same name, housed in a superb building surrounded by verdant parkland. Trappist monks offer retreats to anyone seeking spirituality, retreat and support. A total of 23 rooms are available to welcome guests, who can then participate freely in the monks' prayer and share their meals in silence, as well as enjoying the vast grounds. The length of stay is between 24 hours and 8 days.
10. Saint-Pierre de Solesmes Abbey
Saint-Pierre de Solesmes Abbey has been located in the Pays de la Loire region of France for over a thousand years. This Benedictine abbey is particularly renowned for its Gregorian chants, i.e. the religious practice of singing prayer in Latin. Welcoming guests is an essential value for Benedictine monks, whether or not their guests are believers. That's why theAbbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes welcomes anyone wishing to deepen their faith, enjoy the silence of the place, take a step back from their daily lives, or even benefit from the personalized guidance of a monk. The abbey organizes retreats in different locations, depending on whether you are a man or a woman. You'll have individual accommodation or houses to share with another retreat guest. During the retreat, you'll take part in prayers several times a day, meals with the religious and Gregorian services. A significant part of your time will also be devoted to reading. Finally, if you wish, you can take part in various tasks around the abbey, such as gardening.
11. Penboc'h Spiritual Center
The Penboc'h spiritual center is located in Arradon, Morbihan. It is run by a Jesuit community. This is a Catholic order more formally known as the Society of Jesus, founded in the 16th century by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The center offers retreats that combine spirituality and nature. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Morbihan, a superb Breton inland sea dotted with numerous islands, offering perfect conditions for meditation. You can take part in prayer, meditation andspiritual teachings. But there are different formulas to suit everyone, such as a silent retreat focusing on walking, during which you'll explore the most beautiful paths in Morbihan.
