Abbaye Sainte-Marie de la Pierre-qui-Vire, Gothic abbey in Morvan Forest, France

Abbaye Sainte-Marie de la Pierre-qui-Vire is a Benedictine monastery in the Morvan, on the bank of the Trinquelin stream among granite rocks. Its buildings, erected between 1850 and 1953, form connected wings of pale pinkish-beige walls under steep dark grey gabled roofs, with a tall narrow tower topped by a pointed spire. The church, consecrated in 1871, was remodelled in 1992.

Jean-Baptiste Muard, a priest of the diocese of Sens, founded the community on 3 October 1850 on six hectares at the lieu-dit La Pierre-qui-Vire, given by the Chastellux family. It joined the Benedictine Subiaco congregation in 1859. Anticlerical laws forced the monks into exile in 1880 and again in 1904; they returned in 1921. Muard died in 1854, aged 45.

The Benedictine community here follows a daily rhythm built around prayer, work, and shared meals that shape life in the monastery. Visitors can witness the monks singing in the church during services, which forms the heart of their spiritual practice.

The monastery operates two guest houses where visitors can stay and experience aspects of monastic life with the community. There is a bookstore on the grounds, and it helps to contact ahead or check opening hours, as access is limited to certain times.

The name refers to a heavy granite block that, resting on another, could be set moving by a simple human push. Legend held that it turned three times at the angelus bell. It is now sealed in place and topped by a statue of the Virgin, inaugurated in October 1853.