Monastère de Géronde

Monastère de Géronde is a convent on a vineyard-covered hill just south of Sierre in the Swiss canton of Valais. A community of Cistercian (Bernardine) nuns has lived here since 1935, but the site has seen many different occupants over the centuries. The hill sits beside Lac de Géronde, so a visit pairs easily with a walk by the water.

What is Monastère de Géronde?

The convent of Notre-Dame de Géronde crowns a hill above Sierre. Today it houses a women's community of the Cistercian order. The nuns arrived from Collombey in 1935, and according to the order's own website the community depends on Acey Abbey and was incorporated into the order as a major priory in 2008. This is a working convent rather than a museum, so expect quiet and respect for the residents' privacy.

What is the history of the site?

Géronde's story is far older than its Cistercian community. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, a church may have stood on the hill as early as the 5th or 6th century. The site was later held in turn by:

• Augustinian canons linked to Abondance Abbey,
• Carthusians, from 1331,
• Carmelites, from 1425 to 1644,
• Jesuits, in the 17th century.

The 18th century brought a diocesan seminary, and in the 19th century Trappist and exiled Dominican communities stayed here. From 1893 to 1929 the buildings served as an institute for deaf pupils. The Bernardine nuns settled in 1935.

What else is there on the hill?

On the eastern slope you can find the ruins of an early medieval castle and the walls of a Carolingian chapel dedicated to Saint Felix. If you are curious about the early history of the Valais, they are a good reason to walk around the convent and look out over the area.

How do you combine the visit with Lac de Géronde?

Lac de Géronde lies in Sierre at roughly 523 m above sea level. It is about ten minutes on foot from the railway station. A footpath circles the lake, and in summer the public beach, Bains de Géronde, is open. A stroll by the water plus the climb to the convent hill makes an easy half-day outing.

How do you get there?

Sierre lies on the railway line through the Rhône valley, so the train is the simplest way to arrive. From Sierre station, head toward the lake; the convent stands right next to it on the hill. By car, take the Rhône valley motorway to Sierre and park in town or near the lake.

Frequently asked questions

Is the convent still active? Yes. A community of Cistercian nuns lives here, so keep quiet and check beforehand whether the church is open to visitors.

Who lived here before the nuns? Augustinian canons, Carthusians, Carmelites and Jesuits in turn, followed by a diocesan seminary, Trappists and an institute for deaf pupils.

How far is Lac de Géronde from Sierre station? About ten minutes on foot.

Can you swim in the lake? Yes, the public Bains de Géronde beach operates at the lake.