Bonnevaux : Centre for Peace
Programme of Retreats, Seminars & Workshops
(All the online events of this programme are organised by WCCM)
Come and stay with us
Come, for a few days or longer, and immerse yourself in our life of meditation, work and study.
If you would like more information or to make a booking please contact our Abbaye Coordinator Geert van Malderen
WCCM Academy
A two-year programme of interdisciplinary study in the context of contemplative practice.
We invite you to grow into a new way of contemplative living with remarkable teachers, personal tutors and an international learning community.
Multilocal within a global spiritual family, the Academy operates both online and with in-person events at Bonnevaux, the WCCM spiritual home.
WCCM theme 2023
Metanoia – Let your minds be remade
Special online series
17 January – 12 December, 2023
In this online series on the WCCM’s theme for 2023, an international group of contemplatively oriented leaders, thinkers and activists bring wide-ranging perspectives to focus on how we can change our mind. With insights from religion, science, politics, economics and technology, this series will be a year-long discovery of hope and fresh insights into our future. Discussion groups will meet between the monthly online talks to allow participants to share their insights with others.
Transformed by Silence – Intensive Silent Meditation RetreatOngoing
Bonnevaux - On the Ground, 86370 Marçay, France
Deepen your roots – plant trees and meditate at Bonnevaux
Bonnevaux - On the Ground, 86370 Marçay, France
See the full schedule of events here
Notice COVID-19
Guests and Visitors to Bonnevaux
In accordance with official guidance from the French government (and Dr Barry White who has been advising us on Covid), vaccination is not required to visit/stay at Bonnevaux.
In order to ensure the safety of everyone, we request a negative antigen test (home test is fine) immediately before traveling to Bonnevaux and again we will provide a test for day 2 of your stay.
Retreat Centre
The Retreat Centre can host up to 34 guests. The Conference Centre is a multipurpose facility accommodating up to 200.
Programme
The programme highlights the contemplative dimension of modern life and society. In addition to meditation retreats, we host conferences and seminars with both a spiritual and professional focus. All of these events take place within the rhythm of daily meditation and the community’s life.
Community
The central house is home to a residential community living in the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict. The core community includes oblates, other residents and long-term guests. The daily round, built on the monastic rhythm of prayer, work and study; hospitality; and care for others; is the quiet heart of life at Bonnevaux.
Help Us to Achieve our Vision
Your donation, large or small, makes a big difference. We operate through the spiritual and financial gifts of generous supporters like you.
Support usTestimonials
Taynã Malaspina
Oblate Coordinator, Brazil
“Being in Bonnevaux, in this physical space, for a few days with people from around the world was so beautiful. We meditated together, studied the Rule of St Benedict, we had a “Desert Day” with a deep communion through silence. The Spirit of St Benedict lives in this place and I am deeply grateful with this experience.”
Richard Rohr OFM
Founder of Center for Action and Contemplation
“I fully congratulate the World Community for embarking on the project of this new center for its whole community and for all who are seeking depth and peace. It is a truly beautiful place and I am sure it will communicate the beauty of the peace of contemplation.”
Silvia Dozzo
Meditator from Italy
I spent a week in Bonnevaux in August 2019. I took part in the Nordic Watercolours and Meditation Retreat. It was a week full of colours, meditation and nature. I would recommend it to anyone. I’d also tell them to treasure and feel that sense of peace and fullness that comes from meditation on their way back from Bonnevaux.
Visit Bonnevaux
Bonnevaux is located outside of Poitiers. We are a renovated, secluded abbey in the French countryside. Only a 90 minute train ride from Paris or a quick 20 minute drive from the nearby airport, Bonnevaux is perfectly situated where convenience and seclusion meet.
