Prieuré Saint-Côme

Can a place be both a paradise on Earth and a path to the afterlife? Here at the Prieuré Saint-Côme, the 12th-century canons believed just that. This priory, nestled near Tours, served as a haven for those seeking spiritual solace. It was also a significant stop for pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela. The Prieuré Saint-Côme’s fame, however, rests largely on one resident: Pierre de Ronsard. From 1565 to 1585, the year of his death, Ronsard served as prior. This wasn’t a position he sought. It was a gift from Queen Catherine de Medici and her son, the young King Charles IX. Ronsard, already known for his “Odes” and “Amours”, found peace within these walls. He indulged his love for gardening and continued his writing. Within the Prieuré Saint-Côme, Ronsard worked on “La Franciade”, his ambitious history of France. He also meticulously revised and re-edited his complete works. The priory’s walls witnessed his final verses and his last breath. He was laid to rest in the heart of the priory church. Though the church now stands in ruins, Ronsard’s tomb remains. He continues to watch over this timeless place, the Prieuré Saint-Côme. Imagine him strolling through the gardens, perhaps inspired by the roses he so loved. These gardens, meticulously replanted in 2015, evoke the spirit of Ronsard’s time. Over 300 varieties of plants flourish here, reflecting the botanical knowledge of the Renaissance. The twelve distinct gardens, each designed to harmonize with the architecture, tell their own stories. From the simple elegance of the cloister garden to the vibrant profusion of the verger-bouquetier, the gardens of the Prieuré Saint-Côme offer a sensory feast. The spirit of the priory, a place of both spiritual reflection and intellectual pursuit, is palpable in every corner. The refectory of the canons, where Ronsard once dined, can now host up to 199 people for modern-day gatherings. The esplanade, overlooking the serene gardens, offers an even larger space, accommodating up to 300 guests. The Prieuré Saint-Côme remains a place of contemplation and discovery, a testament to its rich past and a testament to the enduring legacy of Pierre de Ronsard.