A summer experience of immersion in a contemplative rhythm while enjoying the stimulus of learning and sharing in a diverse community. Daily teaching on meditation from Fr Laurence Freeman will help you reach a deeper silence, more energising stillness and refreshing simplicity. Dive deep into the surprising riches of the Christian mystical tradition led by Dr Stefan Reynolds through talks and discussions. There will be a choice of workshops offered by members of the Bonnevaux community such as exploring the beautiful land, yoga and breath-work, cooking and the labyrinth and others to support your inner journey. There will be time for personal reflection and space to enjoy new friendships over convivial suppers outside.
This week is open to all whether you are new to meditation or not. It is a unique opportunity for a summer reset, for learning and friendship, joy and serenity.
A space for learning and friendship
If you are looking for a lived experience of a contemplative community, then this summer gathering is for you. There will be four periods of meditation a day to accommodate your level of practice. The mornings will be for talks and discussions on the Christian mystics. There will be space in the afternoon for personal reflection and one-to-one conversations with the course leaders and a choice of workshops will also be offered by the community. In the early evening Fr. Laurence will give deeper teaching on meditation and lead the evening session. Relaxing suppers will be outside to enjoy new friendships.
This event takes place at Bonnevaux and offers an opportunity to discover the rich cultural and historical French and European heritage of the 12th-century Abbaye de Bonnevaux, as well as to explore the varied and natural beauty of the land which we cultivate as a model of ecological responsibility.
Bonnevaux (Bonne Vallée , or Good Valley) is set within a beautiful valley formed by the river Rhune (la Rhûne) which descends past the Chapel and the 12th-century Abbaye, emptying into the lake beyond. The beauty and peace of Bonnevaux´s 65 hectares (160 acres) reflects the contemplative life lived here from its foundation as a Benedictine monastery in 1119 until the French Revolution. The community is continuing this policy as a living witness to the link between ecology and the human spirit. The land has over 20 different plant habitats, some of which are of heritage value.
Bonnevaux is near Poitiers, France, southwest of Paris. It is 20-minute ride from Poitiers Airport and train station. The journey by train to Poitiers is about 90 min from Paris (Montparnasse).
By road
5 hour drive from Paris along the A10. Parking is available at Bonnevaux. Get directions here
By air
Fly into Poitiers Airport, served by low-cost airlines. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the Abbaye. To the Poitiers Biard Airport website
Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – click here to get all travel info to and from the airport.
Fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport – click here to get all travel info to and from the airport.
By train
1.5h by TGV from Paris to Poitiers station which is about 20 minutes drive from Bonnevaux. To the Gare de Poitiers Train Station website
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Speakers
Leader
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Laurence Freeman
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Fr Laurence is a Benedictine monk of the Monastery of Sta Maria di Pilastrello, Lendinara, in the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Oliveto. He is Director of Bonnevaux and of The World Community for Christian Meditation.
Other Leaders
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Dr Stefan Reynolds
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Dr Stefan Reynolds is WCCM National Oblate Coordinator for Ireland. He has a Doctorate in History and MA in Theology and is the author of books on meditation and on Scripture: ‘Living with the Mind of Christ: Mindfulness in Christian Spirituality’ (DLT, 2016) & ‘The Wisdom of Love in the Song of Songs’ (Hikari Press, 2019). He organizes architectural tours and is a poet, painter and gardener.
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Briji Waterfield
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Briji Waterfield is a spiritual director, retreat leader and has had a life-long interest in meditation and the Christian mystical tradition. Recently retired as Director of Meditatio, the outreach of WCCM she continues to participate in the life of the Community.
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Schedule
The Summer School
| Arrival | Sunday 13 July 2025, check-in: 13h30 – 15h30 |
| Departure | Sunday 20 July 2025, after lunch (14h00) |
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Testimonials
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Contribution (per person)
| Single room with ensuite bathroom | €1330 |
| Single room with shared bathroom | €1120 |
| Shared twin room with ensuite bathroom | €840 |
The prices reflect the need to achieve self sufficiency. Therefore if you’re able to give a little more we would be very grateful. Please, click here to donate.
If you need a concession please let us know. We do not turn anybody away for lack of resources. Please, click the email address <contact@bonnevauxabp.com> to contact us.
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Dietary Information
At Bonnevaux, we aim for healthy, well-rounded, and nutritious meals. Please indicate your meal preference (non-vegetarian, vegetarian) below within the registration process.
* Unfortunately, we cannot cater to specific intolerances and allergies — we do not have the team or facilities for this. Please also be aware that traces of allergens (e.g. nuts) may be found in the food at Bonnevaux.
* We are committed to balancing protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber from organic meat, plant-based proteins, vegetables, un-processed carbs, grains, legumes and fruit.
* Gluten and Lactose intolerance: we cannot create individually tailored meals. Should the main course at lunch contain your intolerance, you can always choose from the vegetables on offer and rice (plus non-gluten bread). The salad and soup bar in the evening will offer you a variety to balance out and complement what you have eaten for breakfast and lunch.
* Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at: contact@bonnevauxabp.com.
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Registration
Cancellation
— Please ensure you have travel insurance in place as we cannot refund cancelled travel for any reason.
— If you cancel your Bonnevaux booking up to 30 days before the event starts, you will be refunded the full cost of the event. Cancellations occurring within 30 days of the event start will be offered a voucher for a future event. Bonnevaux reserves the right to cancel events at any point – cancellations occurring within 30 days prior to the event start date will be subject to the voucher refund policy only.
Membership Fee ** – 10€
Membership fee is paid once per year, valid from Jan – Dec.
** by French law you must be a ‘member‘ of the charity (association ABP) Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre Pour la Paix in order to participate at an on-the-ground event at Bonnevaux – 86370 Marçay, France.
Membership is non-binding. It simply means that you are invited to attend the annual general meeting if you wish and that you may receive information about our events during the year.
The Abbey of Bonnevaux is the spiritual home of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) which includes a Conference and Retreat Centre dedicated to peace. The on-the-ground activities of the Abbey are organized under the responsibility of l’Association Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre pour le Paix (ABP). The Association, which is governed by the French law of 1st July 1901, is registered in Poitiers under the reference RNA: W863007299.
The Abbey of Bonnevaux is the spiritual home of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) which includes a Conference and Retreat Centre dedicated to peace. The on-the-ground activities of the Abbey are organized under the responsibility of l’Association Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre pour le Paix (ABP). The Association, which is governed by the French law of 1st July 1901, is registered in Poitiers under the reference RNA: W863007299.
Address : Bonnevaux, 86370 Marçay, France.
Phone number : 06 33 43 71 71 / 06 61 96 57 74.
José Pype (President of the Association); Krzysztof Albinski (Executive Director)
Site hosting: Flywheel
Image by Enos Mantoani