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Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey was part of the Cistercian order, founded in the 12th century on the principles of simplicity, prayer and poverty. |
Founded in 1850 by Trappist monks from the Aiguebelle Abbey at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the Ardèche mountains. It was there that they founded the Notre-Dame des Neiges abbey, a monastery dedicated to prayer, work, and silence.
Life was harsh at the abbey. The monks lived in spartan conditions, working the land to support themselves and building their monastery stone by stone. But their faith and perseverance were unwavering. The abbey quickly became a place of pilgrimage and renewal for Catholics in the region. The beauty of the site, the rigor of monastic life, and the reputation of holiness of the monks attracted many visitors.
The life of the monks at Notre-Dame des Neiges was anchored in prayer, beginning at dawn with lauds, the first of the many prayers that punctuated their daily lives. From morning Mass to evening vespers, each religious service was an opportunity to come together in communion with God and the community. Far from the idea of passive contemplation, the Cistercian monks were tireless workers. Their day was punctuated by a multitude of tasks, from cooking to maintaining the land and buildings, to raising animals. Their work was both an act of dedication to the community and a concrete expression of their spirituality. At the heart of monastic life reigned silence, a sacred silence that fostered contemplation and communion with God. The monks strove to maintain this silence, speaking only when necessary and reserving verbal exchanges for mealtimes and times of work in common.
The regular schedule of the monks punctuated their day, symbolizing their commitment to a life of discipline and devotion. Rising at 4:30 a.m. and retiring at 9:00 p.m. reflected their desire to dedicate long hours to prayer, meditation, and work, following the natural rhythm of day and night.
The monks' sober and moderate diet, based on two meals per day at noon and 7:00 p.m., reflected their commitment to simplicity and moderation. This practice of partial fasting was also a spiritual discipline, helping them to exercise self-control and cultivate gratitude to God for the blessings of food.
Silence, observed outside of mealtimes and communal activities, was a distinctive feature of monastic life. This rule of silence fostered concentration, reflection, and personal prayer, creating a space conducive to communion with God and inner listening.
The simple and functional habit worn by the monks, consisting of a tunic, scapular, and wimple, testified to their renunciation of the vanities of the world and their commitment to modesty and humility. It was also a symbol of their belonging to the monastic community and the Cistercian order.
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The Cistercian Order: A Millennial Monastic Tradition
The Cistercian Order, founded in 1098 at the Abbey of Cîteaux in Burgundy, emerged from a reform of the Benedictine Order, advocating a stricter observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Since its creation, this Catholic monastic order has distinguished itself by its characteristic values and practices, which continue to mark its community and spiritual life.
Cistercian monks live in isolated monasteries, in communion with nature, adopting a simple lifestyle in harmony with the teachings of the Gospel. They renounce superfluous material goods and content themselves with the bare necessities, wearing simple clothes and eating a sober diet, without meat.
Prayer is at the heart of the life of Cistercian monks. They observe a rigorous liturgical schedule, punctuated by religious services, including lauds, vespers, and compline. In addition to community prayer, the monks also devote time to personal prayer and meditation, thus fostering their spiritual growth and communion with God.
Cistercian monks practice evangelical poverty by renouncing the individual possession of goods. Everything is held in common, and each member of the order contributes according to his means and capacities to the well-being of all. This practice fosters humility, solidarity, and sharing within the monastic community.
Cistercian monks consider work to be a sacred act and a means of glorifying God. They actively participate in the daily tasks of the monastery, including cooking, cleaning, gardening, and maintenance of the buildings. They also engage in agricultural activities, such as livestock farming and cultivation, thus contributing to the self-sufficiency of the community and its livelihood.
Over the centuries, the Cistercian order has experienced periods of prosperity and decline, but it has managed to preserve its spiritual heritage and monastic tradition. During the Middle Ages, the order founded many abbeys throughout Europe, becoming a pillar of religious and social life at the time. In the 16th century, the Cistercian order was affected by the Protestant Reformation, leading to the closure or destruction of many Cistercian abbeys. However, the order experienced a revival in the 19th century, with the foundation of new abbeys and a renewed interest in monastic life.
Today, the Cistercian order continues to embody the values of simplicity, prayer, poverty, and work, with about 2,500 monks and nuns living in over 100 monasteries around the world. These Cistercian communities perpetuate the millennial tradition of the order, offering places of recollection and spirituality for the faithful seeking inner peace and communion with God.
The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges was part of the Cistercian order, founded in the 12th century on the principles of simplicity, prayer, and poverty. The Cistercian monks were recognizable by their sober attire and their ascetic lifestyle, testifying to their commitment to a deep and authentic spirituality.
Here are some important figures of the Cistercian order:
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153): A Cistercian monk and mystic, Bernard of Clairvaux is one of the most prominent figures of the 12th century. As abbot of the Abbey of Clairvaux, he played a central role in the reform of the Cistercian order and contributed to its expansion throughout Europe. His theological and mystical writings, as well as his involvement in the theological debates of his time, have left a lasting legacy in Christian spirituality.
Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1167): A Cistercian monk and abbot of Rievaulx Abbey, Aelred is best known for his spiritual and theological writings, which deal with topics such as spiritual friendship, charity, and the contemplative life. His works, including "On Spiritual Friendship" and "The Contemplative Life," are still studied and appreciated for their spiritual depth and practical wisdom.
Thomas Merton (1915-1968): A 20th-century Trappist Cistercian monk, Thomas Merton is famous for his writings on monastic life, spirituality, and interfaith dialogue. His works, such as "The Seven Storey Mountain" and "New Seeds of Contemplation," have inspired generations of readers seeking meaning and spiritual truth. Merton was also a staunch advocate for peace and social justice, and his commitment to non-violence and solidarity with the oppressed continues to resonate in today's world.
These three figures illustrate the diversity and richness of the Cistercian order throughout the centuries, as well as its profound impact on Christian spirituality and society in general. As Cistercian monks, they embodied the values of simplicity, prayer, and work, offering inspiring examples of lives consecrated to the service of God and humanity.
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Robert Louis Stevenson at the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges: An Unforgettable Encounter
In September 1878, while traveling through the Cévennes with his faithful donkey Modestine, the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson was captivated by the majestic silhouette of the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges. Intrigued, he decided to cross the gates of this isolated monastery, far from any hustle and bustle, for an encounter that would forever mark his journey.
To his great surprise, Stevenson was welcomed with a warmth and simplicity that contrasted with the austerity of the place. The Trappist monks, accustomed to solitude, offered him hospitality with sincere kindness. Stevenson was offered food and shelter, and he was quickly integrated into the peaceful life of the monastic community.
Immersed in the heart of monastic life, Stevenson was fascinated by the rigor and discipline that reigned within the abbey. He watched with wonder the regular prayers, the manual work of the monks, and the soothing silence that enveloped the place. At the same time, he discovered the splendor of the surrounding landscapes, wild and grandiose, which stimulated his imagination and nourished his inspiration as a writer.
From his stay at the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges, Stevenson drew a poignant story, entitled "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes". Through his sensitive words, he pays homage to the warm welcome of the monks, the striking beauty of the landscapes, and his profound reflections on life, faith, and nature.
Stevenson's stay at the abbey left an indelible mark on the history of the monastery. His story helped to make the abbey known beyond the borders of the Ardèche and attracted many visitors in search of serenity and spirituality.
Thus, the improbable encounter between the Scottish writer and the monastic community of Notre-Dame des Neiges continues to live on in the memories, testifying to the richness of human exchanges and the profound impact they can have on our lives.
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Charles de Foucauld at the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges: A Decisive Spiritual Step
In 1889, Charles de Foucauld, a young French aristocrat in search of meaning and spirituality, crossed the doors of the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges to embrace monastic life under the name of Brother Marie-Albéric. This moment marked the beginning of a deeply spiritual journey that would influence his life and work in a significant way.
Charles de Foucauld, who came from a wealthy family and had led a worldly existence, felt the urgent need to find a deeper meaning in his life. His encounter with spirituality drew him towards a life of simplicity and contemplation. The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges became for him a refuge where he hoped to find the answers to his most intimate questions.
To immerse himself in the Trappist community of Notre-Dame des Neiges meant for Charles de Foucauld to embrace an austere and disciplined lifestyle. The days were punctuated by liturgical prayers, manual labor, and silence, thus offering a soul in search of peace an environment conducive to meditation and contemplation.
During his year-long stay at the abbey, Charles de Foucauld immersed himself entirely in a life of prayer, spiritual reading, and meditation. He nourished himself from the writings of the mystics and explored the sacred texts with a growing fervor. The simplicity and frugality of monastic life impressed him and strengthened his determination to follow his spiritual path.
The time spent at the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges marked a major turning point in the life of Charles de Foucauld. It was there that he refined his vocation and strengthened his faith in God. His attachment to silence and solitude, as well as his ardent desire to serve the poorest, took root in this founding monastic experience.
After seven months at the abbey, Charles de Foucauld left this place charged with spirituality to continue his quest through other horizons. His subsequent commitment as a hermit, priest, and missionary in the Sahara made him an emblematic figure of Christian spirituality. Beatified in 2005, his spiritual influence continues, and the cell he occupied at the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges remains a place of pilgrimage and recollection for the faithful in search of his holy presence.
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The first half of the 20th century was a period of prosperity for the abbey. The community of monks grew and the abbey became an important center of religious and spiritual life in Ardèche. However, from the 1970s onwards, the number of monks began to decline, as in many other abbeys in Europe. The traditional monastic life, with its demands of prayer and work, attracted fewer and fewer young people.
In 2022, faced with the declining number of monks and the aging of the community, it was decided to close the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges. This was a difficult and painful decision, but it had become necessary to ensure the sustainability of the site. The abbey was entrusted to a community of Cistercian nuns from the Abbey of Boulaur in Ariège. These nuns, who share the same spirituality as the Trappist monks, continue the monastic life at Notre-Dame des Neiges. They also welcome visitors and pilgrims, and thus contribute to keeping alive the heritage of this unique place.
The closure of the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges is a sad event, but it is also a sign of the times. The monastic life is no longer as attractive as it once was, and many abbeys in Europe are facing similar challenges. However, the abbey's legacy will continue to live on thanks to the nuns of Boulaur, who are committed to preserving the spiritual heritage of this place.
The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges is a place of peace and reflection. The monastery is open to visitors who can discover the abbey church, the cloister, the gardens, and the shop of handcrafted products. The abbey is also an important pilgrimage site, especially for Catholics who come to pray at the relics of Blessed Charles de Foucauld.
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The people of Alès and Nîmes in search of mushrooms in the woods of the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges.
The woods around the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges, in Ardèche, are full of edible mushrooms. Cepes, chanterelles, girolles, and pieds de mouton, among other delicacies, attract each year the people of Alès and Nîmes, who are lovers of picking and fine gourmets. The tradition of picking mushrooms in the woods of the abbey is old. Already in the 19th century, the inhabitants of the surrounding villages came here to find something to add to their table.
The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges is located about 1.5 hours from Alès and 2 hours from Nîmes, which makes it easily accessible for a gourmet getaway in the middle of nature. The woods of the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges are located in a preserved and wild environment. Mushroom picking is done there in respect of nature and the rules in force. It is also possible to go to the abbey by train to La Bastide Saint Laurent les Bains (La Bastide-Puylaurent) and then walk 3km by the GR7 & GR72.
Old romantic Hotel, L'Etoile Guest-House is a mountain retreat in the South of France. With a beautiful park along the Allier River, L'Etoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche and Cevennes. Hiking trails: GR®70 Stevenson trail, GR®700 Regordane way (St Gilles trail), GR®7, GR®72, GR®470 Allier river trail. Hiking loops: Cevenol, Ardechoise, Margeride. The right place to relax.
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