Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fidélité, Jouques, France

What it is

A Benedictine abbey of nuns in Provence who farm vines, olives and orchards and receive guests.

What it needs

The nuns are raising money to open a museum for the work of Mother Geneviève Gallois, a Benedictine artist; about 8,400 of her works are kept between the abbeys of Limon and Jouques. The whole project costs nearly 200,000 euros, of which 80,000 is sought from the public.

Before you act. A cultural project rather than a repair to the nuns' own buildings.

Sources

Abbaye de Jouques : quand l'art devient chemin vers Dieu (CredoFunding)
Fondation des Monastères, online donation form (list of beneficiary communities and dedicated works funds)

Last checked 9 November 2026. Responsible body: CredoFunding; Fondation des Monastères (dedicated museum fund).

Other houses to consider

Saint-Nicolas-lès-Cîteaux, France

Cîteaux Abbey

The Définitoire was damaged by fire in the 19th century, is largely disused and is described by the Fondation du patrimoine as in a state of peril; walls and roof come first. Once saved it is to house a study and research center holding the archives of the order, plus exhibition space. Works began in March 2025 and the donation drive is under half way to its target.

Status: Appeal open
Works cost: €8m
Community: In residence
Order: Trappist
Founded: 1098

Le Mont-Dieu, France

Charterhouse of Mont-Dieu

On the morning of 2 November 2025 a fire gutted the main building, leaving only walls and a few vaults and destroying the original timber roof and painted beams. The owners first need to protect the exposed masonry, then rebuild frame and roof. Insurance is capped, so the Fondation du patrimoine opened an emergency collection.

Status: Appeal open
Works cost: €7m
Community: No resident community
Order: Carthusian
Founded: 1132