► Sainte-Anne de Kergonan Abbey (Morbihan)
Twenty-one monks live in this abbey located in Plouharnel in Morbihan, near the Quiberon peninsula. They follow the rule of Saint Benedict, who in the 6th century established the modalities of monastic life in its liturgy, its times of work and rest.
It is in this beautiful setting of Brittany that the community welcomes guests for a time of contemplation, alone or with family, preparing for a commitment as a couple, or for an exam. Twice a year, retreat weekends at the abbey with the Dom Delatte association are organised, generally during Palm Sunday and at the end of November.
The abbey also offers several workshops that link art and faith, such as an apprenticeship workshop devoted to the practice of illumination, another teaching the Rule of Saint Benedict, or even Gregorian chant sessions. . Located near a wood and the sea, the place offers several departures for walking paths.
Information : https://www.kergonan.org
► Abbey of Joy Notre-Dame in Campénéac (Morbihan)
The Joie Notre-Dame Abbey is a Cistercian abbey in the heart of Brittany, on the edge of the Brocéliande forest. She belongs to the Cistercian order of strict observance, also known as the Trappist. The days of the community of about twenty sisters are punctuated by the famous “Ora et labora” (“Pray and work“), as they explain on their site. “Solitude and silence allow us to create a climate of prayer and encounter with God”, is also underlined.
The abbey is also a place of spiritual retreat for individuals or groups. It is also possible to come there as part of discovery courses, to discover monastic life, or to study there in preparation for exams.
Information : https://www.abbaye-lajoie-nd.com
► Saint-Guénolé Abbey in Landévennec (Finistère)
Located on the Crozon peninsula in Landévennec, the Saint-Guénolé abbey was founded, according to historians, in the 5th century. The name of the town, Landévennec, which means “monastery of Guénolé”, makes direct reference to its founder. It is thus one of the oldest abbeys in the region.
Abandoned in the 18th century, it fell into ruin before being once again inhabited by a Benedictine monastic community which built a new building in 1958. The remains of the old abbey and its museum are part of the region’s heritage and attract many visitors. visitors. The community welcomes spiritual retreats individuals, families or groups.
At the far end of the harbor of Brest, at the mouth of the Aulne, the place offers a setting conducive to contemplation. The Finistère regional park is the starting point for many hikes.
Information : https://www.abbaye-landevennec.fr
► Dinard Charity Center (Ille-et-Vilaine)
The Saint-François house is run by members of the Foyer de Charité de Tressaint, on the Emerald Coast, opposite Saint-Malo. The house has its enclosed garden, and access to a small creek for swimming. The community welcomes single people, groups (except summer), families with children and retired people.
The program is rich in activities: “hike-prayer” sessions led by a priest, activities for children, and “wonder” sessions for young workers, for a stay that combines service to others and rest. The retreatants have the possibility of meeting a priest individually. It is a welcome that is intended to be family, to allow guests to join the life of the community.
Information : https://www.maison-saint-francois.com
► Boquen Abbey in Plénée-Jugon (Côtes-d’Armor)
From the 12th century, monks settled on this site of Plénée-Jugon, between Rennes and Saint-Brieuc. All the buildings of the abbey are organized around the church and its two chapels, which have a Romanesque style. The Chemin-Neuf community hosts spiritual retreats there. During these stays, the abbey regularly offers educational workshops on spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius, anamnesis retreats and spiritual breaks during the day open to all. “Ora et labora” (“Pray and work”) retreats are regularly possible, with participation in the manual work of gardening, cooking, sewing or restoration of the abbey.
Morbihan, Finistère… Five places of spiritual retreat to do in Brittany