Monastère de Solan, Orthodox monastery in La Bastide-d'Engras, France
Description
The Monastère de Solan is an Orthodox monastery set in a remote valley of the Gard region with vineyards, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens. The grounds contain religious and residential buildings surrounded by cultivated land that supplies food for the community.
History
Founded in 1985, this monastery maintains a spiritual connection to Simonos Petra on Mount Athos in Greece. This link with the Eastern Orthodox tradition shaped the community's religious practices from its beginning.
Culture
The daily rhythm here mixes prayer with fieldwork, and you notice the nuns tending gardens while maintaining Byzantine traditions. Their way of life shows how spiritual practice and manual labor are woven together in a working religious community.
Practical
The monastery is open several days a week, giving visitors time to walk through the gardens and watch the work happening. It is best to check visiting times beforehand and expect a quiet experience rather than a formal tour.
Did you know?
The nuns make their own wines, vinegars, preserves, and pickled goods without synthetic additives, which you can see during a visit. These homemade products offer a direct glimpse into how their spiritual beliefs connect with everyday production.
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