Stay & Play

An unconventional Retreat at the Le Monastère des Augustines

by Cherie DeLory

Le Monastère des Augustines in the heart of Old Quebec City is a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat and living museum that rejuvenates the body, mind and soul. Namaste to the Augustinian order of nuns, the pioneers of healthcare in Canada. In 1639, France’s King Louis XIII sent three Augustinian sisters from Europe on a mission to start the first of twelve convent hospitals in Canada and the first in North America north of Mexico. Hotel Dieu de Québec is the first hospital they opened, located in a separate wing of Le Monastère des Augustines.

Upon entering the sun drenched, renovated front wing surrounding the chapel, there’s a calming ambiance and a pleasant cedar and citrus aura. It’s a similar essential oil to what the Augustinian sisters made in 1639 to “soothe the atmosphere around the monastery and the Hotel Dieu.” It was called Parfum de Sanctuarie. Today’s blend is called “1639” and is available in the gift shop along with other aromatherapy wonders.

Central to the ambiance of the monastery is the museum, showcasing the history of Quebec’s convent hospitals, the evolution of medicine, and the role of the sisters. In the 17th century if a young girl dreamed of becoming a nurse she had to become a nun. Today, several of the Augustinian sisters live in a private wing, and you’ll see them during morning mass or the Vespers, an evening choir service at 5pm daily in the chapel.

The cuisine is exceptional. From the homemade cashew yogourt during Breakfast in Silence to a relaxing organic lunch or dinner.

Sleep in renovated rooms with ensuite bath and cozy window seats, or the original nun’s “cell” with shared bath. Amenities are immaculate and partially furnished with original heritage pieces.

Enjoy the spa, wellness seminars, yoga, meditation, dance, pilates and tai chi. Explore the apothecary garden courtyard and private walled garden. The monastery overlooks Marche Vieux Port with views of the Laurentian Mountains, and restaurants and boutiques of the Latin Quarter are a two-minute walk from the back door. I like to think that the sisters invite us to make wellness a good habit.

www.monastere.ca/en