Dominican nuns have been in Langeac since 1623; among the founders was Blessed Agnès of Langeac, beatified in 1994, whose shrine in the chapel still draws pilgrims. The present monastery above the river Allier dates from 1841. The sisters live from printing, bookbinding, cards and icons, and receive retreatants.
What it needs
After restoring the west front and the chapel, the nuns are now tackling the east front of the four-story conventual building: twelve double-glazed window frames and thirty-nine pairs of shutters. It is a small job that keeps the building habitable and open to visitors.
Before you act. A modest need on a nineteenth-century building.
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.
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.
