Marked by the sound of the bell, this life begins before dawn at about 4:00 a.m. while in the rest of the world everything still reposes.

The first Office in the choir is that of Vigils. It is the longest one of the day and lasts about one hour. It is composed of psalms and readings from the Word of God. It is interspersed with silent intervals which allow the monk to meditate on what he has just sung or heard.

At the end of the Office of Vigils the monk may continue his vigil in his own way. He may dwell in a more intimate silent prayer or spend his time at "lectio divina". The latter, a characteristic element of monastic life, is a form of slow, attentive, meditative reading donc with the heart more than with the mind and which leads very naturally to prayer. This reading seeks its food in the Bible, the Doctors of the Church and the monastic tradition. It is a basic element of the monk's life. Beginning in the last hours of the night, it continues throughout the day when the monk has some time to himselt, in the "scriptorium" where each brother lives in the silent and recollected presence of his brothers.

Toward seven o'clock, as the sun rises, the monks assemble in the choir for the important Office of Lauds, which sings the praises ot God's creation and the glory of Christ's resurrection, and ends with a prayer for the salvation of the world.

It is also in early morning that the Eucharist is celebrated. More simple during the week and more solemn on Sundays and Feastdays, the liturgy, in keeping with the Cistercian tradition, reflects the qualities of sobriety and interiority. As if forming one single body the monks encircle the altar for the mass which is at once the summit, the center and the heart of the monastic day.

The office of Terce is then sung. The tasks of the day begin shortly after and will consume a considerable portion of the morning's activity. Such tasks extend from the kitchen and the garden, to the infirmary and the reception whilst also encompassing all the other services required by a variety of needs. It also extends to the work through which the community makes its living: work in the wine cellars and work on the farm. According to his aptitudes each monk plays a part in the work of the community. Whatever his task he knows that he is working for the benefit of his brothers and that the economy of the community rests partially on him.

It is during this part of the day that classes for the novices take place. These classes are directed by the Novice Master, who is aided by some of his fellow monks, and initiate the new members into the monastic life.

At mid-day there is a brief pause. The community assembles in the Church for the Office of Sext which is followed hy the common meal. The meal is copious, well balanced, since it is prepared for people who have heen working, hut it is all the same somewhat frugal. It is eaten in silence while listening to a reading on suhjects as varied as spirituality and current world affairs.

Next comes the Office of None and after a brief pause it is back to work. The end of the afternoov signals the end of exterior activity. Silence and calm descend upon the monastery. The monks return to their "lectio divina" and personal, silent prayer increases in intensity.

The end of the day is marked by the Office of Vespers which assembles the community in the church at 18:30 for the important evening Office. Each brother reflects on his day and on the support received from God's mercy. It is a moment of hope.

The evening meal, somewhat frugal, precedes another period of private prayer followed in turn by the Chapter meeting. All gather in the "Chapter Room" around the abbot who presides and comments on the Rule of St. Benedict or on a spiritual topic.

Compline rounds off the day of work and prayer. It is dusk and the monks gather in the church to sing of their confidence and abandon to their Heavenly Father before entrusting their night's sleep to the Blessed Virgin by singing the Salve Regina. Each monk then may retire to his cell for the night's rest.

It is within this framework that the daily life of the monk of Notre Dame des Neiges takes place. It is a simple life directed towards God and to the service of one's brothers.

• The Monastery of Notre Dame des Neiges
• Map of the Abbey
• Street View of the Abbey
• Pictures of the Abbey
• Messages of the Abbey
• The daily life at Notre Dame des Neiges
• The Cistercian Order
• Robert Louis Stevenson in Notre Dame des Neiges
• Stevenson’s Ghost Travels without a Donkey in the Cévennes
• Roundtrip of Three Lords Summit
• Roundtrip of Masmejean Valley
• Roundtrip of Ardechoise Mountain
• Roundtrip of Le Cevenol
• Hiking in Ardeche and Gard on Le Cevenol
• GR7 From St Etienne (Loire) to Lodeve (Herault)
• GR70 Stevenson trail From Le Puy en Velay (Haute Loire) to Ales (Gard)
• GR72 From Le Col du Bez (Ardeche) to Barre des Cevennes (Lozere)
• GR700 Regordane Way From Le Puy en Velay (Haute-Loire) to St Gilles (Gard)
• L'Etoile Guesthouse is looking for 1 motivated trainee, with contract of training course, between April 1 and October 1 (at least 3 months). Internship at L'Etoile Guest-house

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