Ancien Monastère de Sainte-Croix
FR - 26150 Sainte-Croix, Die
www.le-monastere.org
You are responsible for your on transport. Please note that you can only stay/camp in the centre during your own course period.
1. Public transport
You can travel by TGV from Brussels-South to Valence (the earlier you reserve your ticket, the cheaper!). You will then arrive at Valence-TGV. From there you have two options to get to Sainte-Croix: via Die or via Valence-Ville.
Please note: be sure to check the timetable via the links below before departure! In order not to miss your connection from Valence-TGV, we advise you to take the TGV from Brussels at 10:30 am or earlier.
1. Brussels to Valence-TGV
You take the TGV from Brussels-South to Valence-TGV. The train journey takes about 4 hours. All information about the TGV can be found on the NMBS Europe website.
2a. Valence TGV to Sainte Croix (via Die)
From Valence-TGV you can take the train to Die. In Die itself you get on the bus to Sainte-Croix.
2b. Valence-TGV to Sainte-Croix (via Valence-Ville)
You can reach Valence-Ville by train (TER or Train du Transport Express Régional) in 10 minutes. You can look up the timetable here. The departure info is also announced in the station.
From Gare de Valence-Ville, take the bus (line 28 Luc-en-Diois/Die/Crest/Valence) to Sainte Croix. You can buy a ticket on the bus itself. The bus does not look like a Belgian regular bus, but like a touring bus (from the organization “KeolisDrôme Ardèche”). You can check the timetable and prices of the bus (line 28) here.
Be sure to check the bus times before you leave: the summer schedule will not be online until the beginning of July. Make sure you look at the Sunday schedule (during the school holidays).
2. Travelling together by car
You can agree with fellow participants to travel together on a cost-sharing basis via our carpool forum. The price you pay as a passenger is agreed between you. From Brussels it is about 9 hours by car.
Attention: this forum gives WISPER the opportunity to agree to carpool, but there is no guarantee that everyone wille find a place. After all, the efficiency of this forum depends on the number of drivers wishing to take passengers with them.
3. Eurostop carpool
Eurostop carpool offers a platform to find your carpool partner for all your journeys in Belgium or Europe. Place an ad and they will find the best match for you. More information on their website.
1. Welcome and closure
The course coordinator will take care of the welcome, room division and other practical help from 6 pm onwards. If you arrive earlier, it is best to wait in the courtyard.
Campers can pitch their tents directly in the monastery garden. If you are staying in rooms, please wait until the coordinator arrives so that they can be allocated rooms according to the requests that came in to our administration.
Dinner on the day of arrival is included in the course price and is served between at 7pm. At 8pm the first course session starts.
On the last day of the course (Sunday) we leave right after breakfast. There is no lunch or dinner that day, even if you want to stay longer.
2. Meals
Every morning there is a French breakfast: white baguette, jam, yogurt, muesli, (spreadable) goat cheese and fruit. At noon and in the evening, you get a hot southern meal with cheese, dessert or fruit in the courtyard. Please note: as of 2024, wine is no longer included in meals. Those who like to drink wine with their meals can still purchase and pay for it on site.
Do you eat vegetarian, gluten-free or lactose-free? The kitchen can take this into account. Be sure to mention this as a comment when registering or send an e-mail to charlotte@wisper.be as soon as possible.
Do you follow a different specific diet? Then we ask you to bring your own 'basic package'.
3. Camping
You can camp in the garden next to the abbey. You need to bring your own tent, sleeping pad/air mattress and sleeping bag. Don't forget to bring a flashlight!
4. Rooms
Sheets are provided. You have to bring your own towels. Showers are further down the corridor. Each room has one key. There is no safe in the centre. You can leave valuables at home or give them to the director of the centre.
The beds in multiple rooms are assigned based on the order in which registrations are received, not based on gender. We take into account special requests mentioned in the comment field when registering.
5. ATM’s, shops, bar
In Die, 7 km away, there are shopping centres and several banks and ATMs. In the evenings, we set up a small bar in the courtyard of the Monastère. Standard payment in the bar is via payconiq. For those who prefer to pay in cash or by bank transfer, we will work out a solution!
6. Wifi
There’s wifi at the Monastère. You’ll get the access code on the location.
7. What you definitely need
Water sandals or worn-out sports shoes to get into the river, swimming costume, sunscreen, walking shoes and a corkscrew for lovers of local country wines. Mosquito repellent and your own first aid are no unnecessary luxury either!
8. Moments to relax
Nearby you can go horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, climbing and mountain biking. Furthermore you can make (long) walks, visit the local market or try the limestone basins in the river.
9. Pets
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at this course location, even if you are staying at the campsite.
10. Information about the monastery and the region
The monastery of Sainte-Croix is an absolute cultural highlight. You'll have a taste from the strong cocktail of southern French sunshine with non-stop inspiration, endless natural parks and a few well-aimed atmospheric elements that will take you back in time for centuries.
You can't just indulge yourself artistically, there is much more. The ascent of the Vercors massif, one of the purest places in France, is on the bucket list of many. Or visit one of the idyllic villages nearby where you can relax and wander around for that unfiltered holiday feeling!
In the course centre there is documentation available for you to consult. For tips you can always contact the coordinator. On www.ladrome.fr and www.drometourisme.com you can find great information in advance.