Abbaye Notre-Dame-des-Gardes

Welcome to the roof of Anjou!

Dominating the hill of Les Gardes, the Notre-Dame sanctuary has always been a major Marian pilgrimage site.

Around 1465, the local lord, who was being held prisoner, promised to build a chapel of Notre-Dame as part of his release. When he was released, he fulfilled his vow and pilgrimages began.
A new chapel and monastery were built in the 17th century. The village of Les Gardes grew.

During the revolutionary turmoil, the convent and church were looted and burnt down. The complex was restored in the 19th century, then enlarged until 1948. The pilgrimage takes place on the Sunday before 8 September.

Today, Les Gardes Abbey offers individual and discovery stays for anyone wishing to share the solitude, silence and prayer of the community. Groups and students are also welcome (recollection-retreat, meetings, work or training sessions, revision, etc.).

The sisters will also be delighted to welcome you to their shop, where you can buy their products (traditional jams and jellies, fruit jellies, homemade cakes, rosaries, CDs, etc.), as well as products from other monasteries.

> Self-guided tours of the church and shop only
> Guided tours only during the European Heritage Days (Sunday afternoon)