Behind its walls lies a place most people seldom get to visit. In Brou-sur-Chantereine, in Seine-et-Marne, the Saint Joseph Monastery will open exceptionally to the public for the Heritage Days 2026, held on the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026. Founded in 1984, this major cultural gathering aims precisely to make heritage accessible to as many people as possible, notably by opening the doors of buildings that are normally closed or hard to reach.
The story of the site begins before the arrival of the nuns. The house was built in 1866 by Madame Lainé, sister of Victor Adolphe Thiébaut, a renowned art bronze founder and then-owner of the Château de Brou. The building is thus tied to the history of the former neighboring estate.
In 1933, the property becomes the home of the Benedictines of Jesus Crucified. The community, now part of the Congregation of Sainte-Bathilde, observes the Rule of Saint Benedict. Its historical particularity lies in having enabled women who were unwell or disabled to fully embrace the monastic vocation. Healthy or frail sisters alike share in the same communal life.
The monastery spans several eras. Beside the 19th-century manor sits a modern monastic church with a circular plan, whose architecture starkly contrasts with that of more traditional religious buildings. The estate also preserves a much older curiosity: a late-17th-century ice house, inherited from the Château de Brou. This cylindrical cavity, once packed with snow and shielded by a thick earthen cover, kept food cool long before the refrigerator was invented.
Still inhabited by a religious community, the monastery remains above all a place of prayer, silence and hospitality, where those seeking spiritual renewal can stay.
Tour of the Benedictine Church
Eglise des Bénédictines
Inaugurated in 1999, this modern monastic church stands out as an original work by Mr. Ambroseli, notable for its circular shape and its eleven stained-glass windows.
Public access is allowed according to the service schedule and via the little train.
Circular church: visits are not possible during Masses at 11:00, 15:00 and 15:45. Thank you for your understanding.
Participation conditions: Free admission – limited by the evolving health situation – Free
Hours: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ice house from the late 17th century at Saint-Joseph Priory
Built by the owners of Brou-sur-Chantereine Castle. This cylindrical cavity reached about 20 meters in depth and 10 meters in diameter. Its walls were lined with shelves for storing perishable goods. When filled with snow, it was covered by a mound of earth to intensify and preserve the chill.
Participation terms: Free - Free | No reservation required
Hours : Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–17:00
Sales of fine monastic goods from the Sisters of the Saint Joseph Monastery, Benedictines of Jesus Crucified
### Attention: no sales during religious services
The nuns will introduce you to fine monastic products from monasteries all over France (honey, Alexion of Aiguebelle, lime and mint teas, soaps, cards, etc.).
The Saint-Joseph Monastery is the motherhouse of the Benedictines of Jesus Crucified. They live by the Rule of Saint Benedict, with a few adaptations, their distinctive mission being to open Benedictine life to sisters who are facing health challenges (the after-effects of illness, disability).
At the priory, you can look forward to discovering the circular church. Please respect the 11:00 Sunday Mass and the 3:45 PM liturgy; no sales before 12:00.
On the opposite side of the church, you can also explore the Brou Castle’s ice house, dating from the late 17th century, just like the castle itself, built by the owners of Château de Brou-sur-Chantereine.
Participation conditions: No reservation required | Free
Timings: Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Video projection: The monastic life
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Monastery in your town. What is a monastery? What can this distinctive way of life offer? How old is it? Why do some people choose to live this way today? Video conference organized by a sister from the Priory of Brou-sur-Chantereine.
Participation terms: Limited to 20 people - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 3:00–3:30 PM, 5:00–5:30 PM
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