Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey

Founded by Benedictine monks, the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac occupies a serene location on the shores of Lake Memphrémagog, one of the most iconic bodies of water in the Eastern Townships. While the monastery's exterior displays relatively classical monastic architecture, the interior surprises visitors with its flamboyant Art Deco style, particularly evident in the entrance hall and the corridor leading to the abbey church—a bold aesthetic choice for a religious community of this tradition. Beyond its spiritual calling—the abbey does offer monastic hospitality for men, complemented by Villa Sainte-Scholastique for women—the site has earned a remarkable culinary reputation thanks to products crafted on-site by the monks: aged cheeses, ciders, and other artisanal goods sold at the abbey shop, which has become a gastronomic destination in its own right for visitors to the region. A roughly two-kilometer prayer trail winds through peaceful forest and is dotted with meditative texts that visitors are welcome to follow or simply pass by according to their personal beliefs, allowing you to extend your visit in a setting conducive to reflection—whether you're a person of faith or simply seeking tranquility.