My wife and I are seniors and will be in France this September/October. We would like to stay or at least attend services with the Taize community. We understand that older travelers can stay/attend during certain time periods. Our questions concern the experiences seniors have had attending services and staying at the community lodges. We have some limitations regarding kneeling, sitting on the floor, and sleeping comfort. We are planning our itinerary and need to decide if a 3 night visit to Taize would be appropriate. Thank you.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
barbara,, I just googled them and read their information page,, have you read it? It does seem the living conditions are simple, and doubt they will make concessions ,its not a hotel after all. It also looks like they require you to time your visit to either start or fininsh on a Sunday, and make reservations, there are numerous black out dates.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10629 posts
Why don't you contact the community directly and ask about accommodations for seniors with limitations. Although different, there are monastic communities all over France which welcome overnight visitors in retreat accommodations. Visitors to these retreats are usually required to attend services once a day.
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
We've been to Taize and while it is full of European teens who are worshiping and studying for the week, it is a very welcoming to other visitors. You should contact one of the Brothers on the website and tell of your physical circumstances. They have sung worship services 3X per day which last for more than an hour each time. While we were there, everyone sat cross legged on the floor. I think there were some low stools at the edge of the large room but not many people used them during the 1 day that we visited. In between the services they had groups in various languages, kitchen help, and meditation time walking the grounds. There is also a gift shop where you can buy music, candles, etc. to help support the community. We stayed in Macon (which I didn't care for) for a few nights while we visited this region--don't miss Cluny. Some friends of ours stayed in the tiny village right outside the Taize community in a B&B.