Hello all-
I've been reading Rick Steves books religiously and recently have been visiting this site for the great advice! I'm heading to France (solo) on June 17 for my first time, so excited.
I'm curious if anyone here has experience lodging in monasteries? I got this great book, Lodging in France's Monasteries (I think the author might have an Italy book too), and I'm not on a religious pilgrimage per se, but it seems like they'll provide very basic accomodations (I'm going on a tight budget!) in functioning monasteries or convents - sounds a bit "back-door"-ish! I've lined up Paris lodging in a monastery in the 14eme, and in a little town near Lyon for a night. If anyone's done something similar, even in another country, are there any specific things I need to be aware of - other than the obvious, being respectful of religious services/schedules, etc.? Thanks for any of your experiences!
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Have stayed in convent lodgings before in Italy. They are extremely basic, but clean and offer good prices.
Many religious orders that offer rooms to tourists have certain rules regarding "curfew", and expect guests to be back on the grounds at a specific time or risk being shut out for the night. I'd avoid anywhere that has a curfew. Oftentimes, you may not even sit down to dinner until 9:00 PM in Europe after having spent your day sightseeing. Do you really want to have to rush back just to make curfew?
There are other budget accommodations (hostels, university lodging) that don't impose such strict rules.
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Hi Naomi,
... assuming you know which monasteries you intend to visit, we suggest you contact each prior to your departure and request information on what is expected of you. If someone responds, you should be better informed, gain insight and possibly be more comfortable with your monastery decisions now and later... ciao! P