ABBAYE NOTRE-DAME DE LA PAIX

After the French Revolution, most monasteries were closed and monastic life virtually ceased to exist. It wasn't until the early ^19th century that the first Christian communities sprang up, born of the efforts of the faithful who had not forgotten the orders and their usefulness to parishes and local life alike.

The Notre-Dame de la Paix community was founded in 1865 by the restorer of Cistercian life at Sénanque and its founder at Lérins Abbey, Father Marie-Bernard Barnouin. Barnouin aspired to monastic life, but did not wish to join either the Trappists or the Carthusians, as the constraints were so great. So a small group of men led by Father Barnouin began to live as "monk farmers". They were soon given Sénanque Abbey, empty and in good condition. The Cistercian life lived here since the ^12th century led him to revive it, and in 1854 he settled his young community there. In 1858, after many difficulties in obtaining Rome's approval for his "average observance", a new congregation joined the Cistercian Order, adding to those existing since the ^15th century: the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception, known as the Congregation of Sénanque. The female branch of Lérins was transferred to Castagniers in 1930, on a site of exceptional beauty. Mother Marie-Marguerite de la Trinité, elected Superior in 1935, worked to develop the community. The monastery became an abbey in 1962. The Cistercian nuns make chocolate that is renowned in the region: praline bites, moldings, bars, etc. The abbey welcomes those seeking a place of silence and peace, for a time of spiritual renewal. Guests are invited to take part in prayer, and can meet a nun or the chaplain.

Services: Vigils at 4:45 am (except Mondays), Lauds at 7:15 am on weekdays and 7:30 am on Sundays, Mass at 8:30 am on weekdays, 10 am on Sundays and 11 am on the second Saturday of the month (Mass for Peace), Tierce at 9:15 am on weekdays and 8:45 am on Sundays, Sext at 11:45 am, None at 2 pm on weekdays and 1:30 pm on Sundays, Vespers followed by Adoration at 5:15 pm on weekdays and 4:30 pm on Sundays, Compline at 8 pm.

Accommodation: single and double rooms, capacity 19 people. Full board. Length of stay: 2 to 6 days.

Store: open Tuesday to Saturday 2:15pm to 5pm, Sunday 2:15pm to 4:15pm. Sale of chocolates (bars, rochers, fried...). Delivery available.