The main retreats last between 2 and 6 days. However some only last a day: the “Intensive days” (9:30 am to 5 pm).
"Retreat Stays" have their own special timing. They take place over a period of 8 days and each attendee chooses which day they will arrive and depart (min 3 days, max 8). You should include the dates you intend to stay when signing up.
All the retreats, except for “Intensive Days” start with dinner on the first day (reception open from 5 pm) and finish on the final day at 2 pm after lunch.
Each person stays in a single room or double room (for couples) with an ensuite.
Some rooms can only be accessed via stairs. Those who have mobility issues can be hosted on the ground floor. Please let us know when you register for a retreat.
The mobile phone signal is problematic on the Fontanilles site, but all bedrooms have a landline. A WiFi network covers the entire building.
To make the most of the retreat and the property which has great surrounding walks, we recommend you bring: a bible, something to take notes, walking shoes, a small rucksack, something to protect you from both the sun and the wind.
The community supplies: bed linen, bath towels, napkins and folding chairs for outdoor talks.
Each retreat is a unique experience, ‘dropping in’ on a lecture is not permitted, neither is the ad hoc participation in liturgies.
In the same vein, any type of recording (audio, video or photos) is prohibited.
If for any reason you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible via phone or email. The space can then be offered to somebody on the waiting list.
For young people (minors) who want to attend a retreat, please contact the secretary.
If someone is undergoing intensive medical treatment or psychiatric evaluation, please request permission from their doctor to bring them to the community.
Contributing to costs is done at your free will. All those who wish to attend a retreat should be able to visit without a lack of finances preventing them. To this end, each person is invited to contribute what they can, in line with their means and in the form they choose, cash, cheque or bank card. In this way, things become naturally equalised.
The free work offered by the community and the donations made by those attending retreats are the only resources we have to run the house!
By train: Arrive at Perpignan station (a well-served station), then take the bus towards Céret/Arles-sur-Tech (line 340 or 341) and get off at Maureillas or Saint Jean-Pla-de-Corts: detailed information will be given when you register.
By car: Sat Nav: Fontenilles, Lat. 42.47738 and Long. 2.80786. A map will be sent to you when you register.
- Take the A9 motorway and exit at “Le Boulou”. Warning: It’s the last exit, just before the toll station before going into Spain.
- 1st and 2nd roundabout: follow "Le Perthus-Gerone"
- As you come off the Pont sur le Tech bridge, take a right turn towards "Le Perthus-Gerone” and continue for 2km.
- 1km after the Casino, take a right towards “Maureillas”.
- at the Maureillas crossroads continue straight on towards "Las Illas-Riunoguès" for 1.5km without heading off the asphalt road.
- after a little bridge, turn right towards “Fontanilles-accueil” and follow the signposts. Les Fontanilles is 400 m away.
