Living a Massage Experience at Le Monastère des Augustines
I believe there’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a massage at Le Monastère des Augustines, an experience that transcends time and space. It’s a beautiful early spring afternoon. The light is starting to return after the darker days, but the days are still cold. I’m happy to step into the warm atmosphere of Le Monastère. Since I’ve built up a lot of stress and fatigue over the past few weeks, I feel that this massage is the perfect time to release my tension and relax.
As soon as I step inside the building, I feel enveloped by a sense of calm and serenity. It’s as if the presence of this historic site is there to reassure me, and the sisters’ energy is still palpable. A feeling of coming home, a deep breath, my shoulders dropping, and off I go (I already feel relaxed!) toward the waiting area: the rotunda. I’m lucky to arrive early and get to watch archival videos of the Augustinian Sisters, comfortably settled into a cozy little armchair! That’s also where I meet my massage therapist, who welcomes me and walks me to the massage room.
I get a glimpse of the museum, and I promise myself I’ll come back to visit the new exhibition, Resonances. From Their Lives To Ours. To get to the massage therapy room, we actually walk through part of this exhibition.
As I make my way down the hallways, I feel with every step that I’m already starting to slow down. The creaking floors, the scent of the 1639 essential oil permeating the building, the soft late-afternoon light streaming through the large windows… Everything is designed to make you feel good from the very first moment. I feel pampered walking down this hallway, which seems to me like a moment suspended between two experiences: heritage and well-being.
I walk through the door of the massage room assigned to me, and, as expected, the atmosphere is simple, subdued, and warm. A slightly ajar window with paned glass, a delicate white curtain, the scent of massage oil, and soft background music convince me that I’m exactly where I need to be!
I sit in a rocking chair that reminds me of my younger years chatting with my grandfather by the fireplace. I feel relaxed and truly listened to by the massage therapist, who takes the time to hear my needs and explain what a classic massage entails.
As I settle onto the massage table, I’m pleasantly surprised by its comfort and the warmth it radiates. I savor the moment and let myself be guided by the massage therapist’s expert hands. She invites me to take a few long, deep, mindful breaths and to maintain this mindfulness throughout the massage. Trust and relaxation follow!
As the massage progresses, a deep sense of tranquility envelops me, carried by the gentleness of her touch. The soft music enhances this feeling of calm. Little by little, I feel my whole body relax, and I find myself drifting off at times into a restorative half-sleep.
I leave with the feeling that there is something deeply therapeutic about a massage, a presence that is reassuring, comforting, and enveloping all at once. It’s also a genuine moment of respite from the daily grind. A way to reconnect with my body and release accumulated stress, tension, and emotions.
The treatment concludes with a herbal tea from the apothecary, perfect for warming up after this moment of relaxation for the nervous system. As I leave, I feel both lighter and energized, as if I’m floating on a little cloud. I feel truly blessed to have had this massage experience at Le Monastère, a place that blends heritage and wellness.