Sainte-Marie de la Garde AbbeyA Benedictine Monastery in the Heart of Rural France
Welcome
We are a community of Benedictine monks living in the peace and beauty of southwestern France, in Lot-et-Garonne. Founded more than 20 years ago by monks from Le Barroux Abbey, we live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict (†547).
🎬 Discover our monastery in this short video
A Life of Prayer and Tradition
Our days are shaped by prayer, manual work, and study. We celebrate the liturgy in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, deeply rooted in the Church’s tradition and Gregorian chant.
A Growing Community – A Historic Project
God is blessing us with vocations. As our community grows, so does our need for a true monastery — one built to last through generations of monastic life.
We have launched the construction of a permanent abbey:
🏗️ The only Benedictine abbey currently being built in France.
This is a once-in-a-century project.
And you can be part of it.
Rod Dreher’s Visit
In 2025, American author and journalist Rod Dreher visited our monastery and shared his reflections on monastic life at La Garde.
🎥 Watch the video of Rod Dreher’s visit
Learn More
📄 Read our short project overview (PDF)
Support a Living Tradition
Every donation — large or small — helps us build a place of prayer for generations to come.
👉 Donate Now
📬 Contact the Monks
Come and Visit
If you are planning a trip to France, we welcome pilgrims and friends from around the world. Come and experience the beauty of monastic life at La Garde.
📍 Located 1.5 hours from Bordeaux
🏡 Guesthouse open to men, families, and groups
(by reservation)