La Capelette de Saint-Ferréol

Perched at an altitude of 534 meters, La Capelette de Saint-Ferréol is a true haven of peace between heaven and earth. This small, hilltop sanctuary offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lauragais plain, the Pyrenees, and the Montagne Noire.The Chapel of Saint-Ferréol stands alone on the barren limestone plateau overlooking the village of Dourgne, which is known as the “Desert of Saint-Ferréol.” A chapel is known to have existed at this site since at least the 16th century. Its original location is now marked by a cross. The “genouillades” (Ginoulhados) can also be seen at this site. The current chapel, built in 1947 by the monks of Saint-Benoît d’Encalcat Abbey, is constructed of Dourgne limestone rubble and covered with slate from the Limatge quarry. Inside, the single nave, punctuated by transverse arches, is also reminiscent of Romanesque architecture.

On the Abbade Rock stands the giant statue of Saint Stapin, an iconic landmark of Dourgne.

The En Calcat Monastery was founded in 1890 by Dom Romain Banquet. The abbey church is open to anyone who wishes to come and reflect or participate in monastic prayer (liturgy in French and Gregorian chant).Louis Banquet was born in the hamlet of En Calcat in 1840. At the age of 24, he entered the monastery of La Pierre-qui-Vire, founded by Father Muard in 1850 in the Yonne department. There he became Dom Romain. In 1874, he began providing spiritual guidance to a 17-year-old girl, Marie Cronier, who was completing her studies at the Abbey of Jouarre and who was the recipient of special graces. What followed was an increasingly deep spiritual intimacy between them that would last until death parted them. On January 29, 1883, Marie Cronier received a revelation of the plan for a work to which the Lord was calling them both: “a spiritual ark that will be His own dwelling place, where souls will live in Him, where He will be the Beloved. “This will be His chosen place, if the souls He has called are blessed enough to understand it.” It was this revelation that, after many difficulties, led to the construction of our two monasteries—Saint Benedict of En Calcat and Saint Scholastica of Dourgne—founded together in 1890 and elevated to the status of abbeys in 1896. The two monasteries in Dourgne were founded together in 1890: Dom Romain BANQUET (born in the hamlet of En Calcat in 1840) established the Abbey of Saint Benedict of En Calcat for the monks, and Mother Marie CRONIER established the Abbey of Saint Scholastica for the nuns. The two communities, independent of one another, live according to the Rule written by Saint Benedict in the 6th century. Their churches are open to anyone who wishes to come and reflect or participate in monastic prayer (liturgy in French and Gregorian chant). Their guesthouses welcome visitors for a few days of spiritual renewal. Pilgrims on the Way of St. James are also accommodated by reservation. En Calcat Abbeywww.encalcat.com Siloe-Saint-Benoît Bookstore (wide selection of religious and secular books, recordings of the monks’ chants, reproductions of Dom Robert’s tapestries); publisher of religious images and greeting cards; zither workshop (not open to visitors).

A unique experience, a real adventure to share. "Stories truer than life""To explore the City of Sorèze is to visit the Abbey-school and the Dom Robert Museum. Two museums, two universes to get to know the famous people who have marked the History of France. We invite you into the colourful and teeming universe of Dom Robert's drawings and tapestries, a real walk magnifying the fauna and flora of the Black Moutain. A unique experience, a real adventure to share with the whole family ! New in 2021 : part of the Park is now open to visitors. A fun trail to immerse yourselves in the life of the old school students. Several possibilities to discover it : on a self-guided or guided tour, or with the help of games and applications on a digitat tablet. (Helping the Aces of the Jungle to solve an investigation) (Subject to the rules imosed by the health conditions) The Cité de Sorèze has the label "Valeur Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc" and is labelled Grands Sites Occitanie. The Benedictine Abbey, founded in 754, successively became a seminary, a royal Military School under Louis XVI, then, with Father Lacordaire at its head, a school with an international.reputation. Exploring the rich and fascinating past of this place is a moving experience.free for children under 12 years.

Built at an altitude of 272 meters, at the foot of the Black Moutain in the shadow of the Berniquaut peak, Soreze is a small, historic town full of character.It is pleasant to stroll through the streets lined with half-timbered, jettied-out houses from the 16th and the 17th century. The 15th century St. Martin bell-tower is the sole vestige of the former parish church burnt down during the Religion Wars. Soreze owns its fame to its Abbey school, a classified "historical monument" since 1988. Visit the Abbey school and you'll be able to imagine was daily life look like in this very particular environment, renowned well beyond our borders for its innovative teaching techniques.