Visitation Monastery of Notre-Dame du May, Voiron, France

What it is

The Visitation of Notre-Dame du May has occupied a 17th-century house on a hill in Voiron since 1834; the Fondation du patrimoine page speaks of 25 sisters.

What it needs

Part of the roof of the north-west wing is covered in asbestos-cement sheets that must be removed, with some of the timbers beneath in poor condition. The works total about 1.1 million euros; the public collection is close to its 75,000-euro target and the sisters say the works are what allows them to stay.

Before you act. The collection page was first published in 2022; figures are those shown in November 2026.

Sources

Monastère de la Visitation à Voiron en Isère (Fondation du patrimoine) (20 June 2022)

Last checked 8 November 2026. Responsible body: Fondation du patrimoine.

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