Home

Bonnevaux

Centre for Peace

LIVE ONLINE EVENTS: JOIN US FOR MEDITATION, CONTEMPLATIVE MASS AND YOGA

Programme of Retreats, Seminars & Workshops

No event found!

See the full schedule of events here

Notice COVID-19

We are complying with the regulations of the national shutdown announced by the French government. This means we will not be able to welcome guests or visitors for the time being. But we will continue energetically with our online program to help support others to maintain a spirit of hope, spiritual connection and peace through these difficult times. Meditation and community are at the heart of this and of the Bonnevaux vision.

A Contemplative Path Through the Crisis

Many things, good or bad, nourishing or destructive, true or false can bring us closer together. The global health emergency is doing it by reminding us, as the environmental emergency should, of the reality that we are a single family; we share a beautiful home; our differences are really interesting not threatening; and we need to learn how to share better and to live in a more joyful way. This crisis can bring us together for the sake of goodness, for new depth of wisdom and kindness. It is not all about fear.

Learn More
Renovations for Retreat and Conference Center at Bonnevaux Center for Peace, Poitiers France

Retreat & Conference Centre

The Retreat Centre (opens June 2021) can host up to 39 guests. The Conference Centre is a multipurpose facility for up to 200.

Learn more
Small Group Retreat at Bonnevaux Center for Peace

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.

View Programme
The Abbaye is home for the resident community receiving guests, meditation, community life, silence

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.

Meet the Community

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 us

Testimonials

Taynã Malaspina Oblate Coordinator, Brazil

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.

How to Get Here

Latest Updates

View Previous Updates