The Saint-Jacques tower of Bonneval Abbey (Aveyron), winner of the Grand Prix Pèlerin du Patrimoine

Between Rodez (Aveyron) and Saint-Flour (Cantal), in the commune of Cayrol (Aveyron), a small forest road goes down to Bonneval Abbey. Hidden in a valley, as is often the case with Cistercian establishments, the formerly fortified building proudly raises its walls and its buildings, which were very reconstructed in the 19th century. A square guard tower, 23 m high, has retained all its medieval authenticity, with walls almost a meter thick and a slate roof.

“Our order has always had a vocation of hospitality. We have used this tower for twenty-five years to accommodate up to six pilgrims seeking a stopover on the way to Saint-Jacques,” explains Sister Bernadette. “We have already renovated the interior but its frame and roof require a complete renovation before we can reopen the place next summer.”

The community of twenty-five nuns, who also run a hostel for retreatants and a shop to sell their famous chocolates, are very keen on this welcome: “All those who walk are in search of something, observes Sister Anna. We are in the same search as them, pilgrims on site!”

The dynamism of the nuns, the quality of the architectural project and… the beauty of the place convinced the jury to award them the Pilgrim Prize for Monastic Heritage, in partnership with the Fondation des Monastères, which will allow them to launch the work.