Echourgnac Abbey
A Cistercian abbey in Périgord
Echourgnac Abbey
Abbaye de la Trappe de Notre-Dame de Bonne-Espérance is located in the heart of the Double region, in the commune of Echourgnac (400 inhabitants), about 1 km west of the village and 16 km from Montpon Ménestérol. Set in a vast clearing of grazing meadows, it is bordered by a chain of ponds, providing an austere yet peaceful setting.
It's a welcoming place for newcomers who discover it at the junction with the D38, and a pleasant place to stay for a few hours, a few days, or a lifetime.
This is not an old abbey. It was built from 1868 onwards, and its classical architecture is not distinguished by any particular features.
It's not a listed site, nor a historic monument. It's a living abbey, currently inhabited by a community of some thirty nuns of the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, also known as Trappist, whose ages range from 26 to 90.
Monastic Hotels
In the Cistercian and Benedictine tradition, the Nuns welcome those seeking silence to return to the presence of God. The aim of a stay at the hôtellerie is spiritual renewal. It is offered to individuals and groups.
The retreat is a favorable time for reading, prayer, meditation and walking. Retreaters can organize their time at their own pace. They are invited to participate freely in the Community's prayer of the Hours, which celebrates God seven times a day.
The hostel offers a space of silence where the heart can be opened to listening to the Word of God. To preserve the solitude of each guest, meals are taken in silence.
Participation in services and maintenance of the premises is appreciated.
The hotel sister is available to retreatants if they wish. If they wish to meet a priest, they can contact the Father Chaplain.
The stay is limited to one week.
Abbey cheese: Trappe Echourgnac
Monks and nuns live off the fruits of their labor.
At Echourgnac, we make fruit jellies and jams and, in the great Cistercian cheese-making tradition, we mature a cheese with walnut liqueur...