Carmel de Marienthal, Carmelite monastery in Haguenau, France

The Carmel de Marienthal is a Carmelite convent at 4 Rue de la Gare in Marienthal, part of Haguenau. Its tall, steeply gabled facade of reddish-brown stone blocks has a stone cross at the peak, a large circular window with dark tracery, and a pointed-arch portal with a dark wooden double door under a narrow projecting roof. The convent includes a neo-Gothic chapel built in 1890.

The monastery was founded in 1887 when Sister Marguerite of the Blessed Sacrament returned to her hometown of Haguenau after her time with the Carmelite community in Amiens. Her dedication led to the establishment of this religious foundation.

The chapel displays paintings created by Joseph Asal between 1910 and 1919, incorporating artistic styles from religious movements of that era. These works shape the visual character of the prayer space that visitors see today.

Visitors can join the community for prayer times that begin in the morning and continue throughout the day. It is important to check current schedules and respect the guidelines of the monastic community.

During the First World War part of the convent became a military hospital: the first wounded arrived on 26 August 1914 and up to 70 were cared for at once, with the nuns working as nurses. Coal shortages closed the lazaret in December 1916, a closure the convent chronicle records with regret and tears.