Abbeys monasteries and convents France

The former Royal Abbey Notre-Dame du Lys, built from 1244 to 1253, at the initiative of the Blanche de Castille, in the Plaine du Lys near Melun, reserved for the high-line ladies, is a jewel of Gothic art and considered one of the most beautiful cistercian ensembles of Ile-de-France. Sold to the revolution as a national good, there are still some ruins, part of the choir, the square apse, some parts of the transept and the staircase allowing access to the bell.

This Cistercian abbey, situated in the commune of Souppes-sur-Loing, in 1181, thanks to Philippe Auguste and the monks of the order of Cîteaux, preserved some remains despite the successive looting. In particular the barn to the tithes, the building of the monks, the oratory and house of the abbot, not forgetting a press, a pasture, the park and gardens.

The abbey of Saint-Martin of Ruricourt, built towards the late th century for the canons of Saint Augustine, is classified in Historical Monuments. It was in the late th century that it took the name of Saint Martin-aux-Bois, "Santus Martinus in Bosco". Henri IV said from her: " She is the most beautiful lantern of my kingdom. " Very famous for its stalls, it is Gothic style.

There is still no Cistercian abbey but the chapel, bread oven and vines, exploited nowadays in the tradition of origin.

The House of the Hermitage is the great reliquary of Marcellin Champagnat. The Marist Brothers today have about 3,000 members working with young people in 80 countries around the world. At Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage you will first of all be able to discover the life and work of the Marists founded. This place is also a destination for pilgrims who come to pray in front of the reliquary of Saint Marcellin, displayed in the chapel of Notre-Dame. Apart from its primary vocation, which is to welcome Marists from all over the world, this establishment, totally renovated in 2010, is organized to receive people seeking a personal retreat.

This collegiate church with three naves (now the parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste) is one of the masterpieces of Alsatian Gothic art. The church was built from 1274 on the site of another building dating from the early 7th century. After Strasbourg Cathedral, it has the largest number of original medieval stained glass windows in Alsace. The large portal, which illustrates the life of Saint Florent, is remarkable and strongly inspired by the representations of the cathedral. The carved oak stalls, located on either side of the choir, date from the 17th and late 18th centuries and are of great finesse. The church also houses the funeral slab of the son of Erwin von Steinbach, the famous architect of Strasbourg Cathedral, who died on the site of the collegiate church in 1329. A famous annual pilgrimage to Saint Florent, whose relics are kept in a shrine visible in the nave on a Sunday in November; on this occasion a large market is held around the collegiate church. And if the weather permits, the relics are carried in procession through the streets of the village.

Le Petit Roi de Grace is a wonderful statuette made of polychrome wood, 58 cm high and sometimes adorned with sumptuous clothes. It was probably carved by a noble of the name Gaston de Renty. In 1643, he offered it to Marguerite Parigot, a carmelite carmelite carmelite. Entering the Carmel of Beaune at the age of 11, she would have had visions of the child Jesus as well as a gift to help the difficult childbirth, heal new babies and fight sterility. In his prayers, she saw the birth of the future King Louis XIV, born after 12 years of marriage. Many miracles allow Marguerite to be revered since, under the name Marguerite du Saint-Sacrement. Today, the sisters of the community of the Beatitudes leave the monastery to leave their place to 3 carmelite apostolic sisters of the child Jesus from Poland. If they were to expand their community, the place itself was recently proclaimed "sanctuary" and could gain importance as a place of pilgrimage. Don't forget to go through the magnificent Jardin du Petit Roi de Grace: A quiet area, outside the world, ideal for recharge. It houses the chapel in which the statue of the King of Grace is located. A scenic project is being considered to animate the garden and to live the place in a new way.

The Abbaye du Val des Choues is an island in the middle of the Châtillonnais forest and falls under the great religious movement of the West of the 11th and 12th centuries. This building has as an authorizing officer Eudes III, duke of Burgundy in 1193. Inspired by Cistercian and Benedictine rules, Val des Choues scatters up to seventeen monasteries throughout Europe. Inès and Michel Monot invite you to come and join them to discover the boar hunting in their new museum opened in July 2017. Beyond its dramaturgy, you discover the history of hunting in the "Curograph of the equivalence of things and of the beings, animals and humans". The room of the temptation of trophies, echoes, silence, hallali, the workshop of the tailor and the opera of nature have been arranged in the Abbey with the contribution of contemporary artists. Every day, at 4 pm in the high season, do not miss the spectacular soup of dogs. The 150 dogs of tricoloured English-French breed by the crew Pique'avant-Bourgogne are waiting in silence for their master's signal. You will enjoy the gardens where Inès Monot offers basins, vases, flower boxes and Medici style sculptures to decorate your garden. During the season, two guest rooms are available.

Founded around 450, Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey is one of the Oldest in Burgundy. Transferred to the current site in the th century about, there are finally not so many remains of that time. Indeed, the th century abbey was destroyed in the Revolution. The most beautiful remains were transferred to prestigious museums: at the Cloisters Museum in New York, at the Louvre in Paris or in Dijon. The buildings that can be discovered today are the work of reconstruction in the late th century. However, the visit is very interesting. It is possible to discover the lounges and the decorations of stucco, the bishop's bathroom, the bedroom of his valet, the cloister gallery and still the staircase inscribed in the Historical Monuments… Every year, novelties await you: exhibitions, precious objects, wood panelling… Good to know: by paying your entrance, you participate in the safeguarding of the monument.

A th century private historic monument, La Ferté is one of Cistercian abbeys. The location of the Germain Palace now houses guest rooms. Guided tours allow you to discover the th century interiors, the park and the outbuildings. In the spring, La Ferté welcomes rare plants. In July-August, guided tours for children aged 7 and over are organized. This includes costume guided tours with th-century clothes. A playful way to discover the property and customs of the time. All three guest rooms are housed in different abbey areas. The Colombière is set in a former th-century colombier, the Porterie is a beautiful, comfortable and spacious suite housed in the abbey's official entrance with magnificent stone walls and the Chambre room is a beautiful room with authentic and authentic furniture in the palace. A wonderful place to discover summer with family or couple for visits that combine charm, romance and historical richness

Located in Montrésor, 4 km from the town of Loches, Château-monastère de la Corroirie is a picturesque hotel set in 150 hectares of wooded grounds. It houses a church dating back to 1208 and offers 5 period rooms with medieval decor, exposed wooden beams and private bathrooms. Some rooms offer views of the forest or garden. Continental breakfast is included and can be served in a cosy lounge or in the garden. There's also a church, a dining room, a jogging track and a swimming and fishing pond. Dinner and guided tours are available at an additional cost. The castle-monastery tourist and cultural site is open from Easter to All Saints' Day, from 11am to 7pm.

The Saint-Michel de Bois-Aubry Royal Abbey is a listed historic monument located in Bois-Aubry, in the commune of Luzé in the Indre-et-Loire region. Dating back to the early 12th century, it is remarkable for both its history and its architecture. The abbey offers 4-star-rated gîtes, ideal for relaxing family or couple vacations. The gîtes are designed to combine comfort, conviviality and respect for age-old traditions. Visitors can also take advantage of the swimming pool facing the choir of the abbey church. The abbey is also famous for housing the grave of Hollywood actor Yul Brynner. A small museum traces his biography and filmography. For history, art and culture enthusiasts, it's possible to support the abbey by becoming a volunteer or making a donation to the Association Abbaye Royale Saint-Michel de Bois-Aubry.

Surrounded by majestic trees, the aisle says nothing about what lies at the end of the gravel. In the distance, however, you see the steeple who seems to want to break the sky and when you arrive, prepare for a shock: rare religious building is so splendid. Nature jealously guards this jewel, arcades and palms blend in a perfect harmony, dedicated to beauty. Water sets embody the fullness of this haven of peace and here the walls are not just stones. They testify to a life of life never extinguished, despite the vagaries of a turbulent past. The abbey of Our Lady of Hope was born in the last century. Founded by Hermann Cohen, father Augustin Marie of the Very Holy Sacrament, she will experience as much fuss as this German religious. Called the Holy grail to host hermits, she hosted German prisoners during the First World War, before falling into ruins. In 1977, however, while the site is only abandonment and desolation, a priest begins an incredible restoration, without any financial means, built on will and faith. The result is before you, exceptional.

Founded in 1974 by the Carmel of Nancy, this monastery was erected in 1986 as a Carmel of the Byzantine rite. It is in this spirit of respect for the oriental tradition that the Carmelites practice the "writing" of icons in their monastery. The icon is an image for worship before being a work of art; it finds its deepest meaning in the liturgy lived: either in the church, or at home, in family or personal prayer. The Church blesses the icon, making it worthy of veneration. The "writing" of icons requires preparation; it is done in faith and prayer, it is a meticulous work that requires much attention, from the preparation of the board for painting to the final varnishing. The Carmelites have transformed the outbuildings into a guesthouse and a large attic into a library. A collection of about 500 volumes, mainly specialized in patristic, ecumenical, Carmelite and iconographic fields, is at the disposal of the guests.

Services : Matins at 6am, Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) at 7am, Third-Acathist-Sex at 11.30am, Vespers at 5pm. Saturday and Sunday Vespers at 6pm and in winter at 5pm Resurrection Vigil, Third-Acathist-Sext at 9.30am, Divine Liturgy at 10am.

Reception : some rooms are available for those who wish to share the prayer and silence of Carmel. Shop: this is an online shop where you can order the monastery's publications as well as painted or pasted icons, postcards and rosaries.