The Friends of Châtres Abbey Association was established in July 2013.

The statutes of the association have been filed at Cognac sub prefecture. 

The association's purpose is "to initiate, support, and encourage, by all legal means, all projects aimed at promoting the cultural and religious life of Châtres Abbey, in a spirit of sharing and exchange, in order to contribute to its influence and preservation."

The association has approximately 100 members.

Half of whom live not far from Châtres in the greater Cognac area.

The others come from most of the French provinces or from foreign countries: Belgium, Switzerland, Great Britain, etc.

The association is very active, contributing to the influence of Châtres Abbey:

- by providing guided tours during the summer season, tours led by volunteer members who know Châtres Abbey well and thus share their passion without overlooking the "grey areas" and mysteries surrounding the history and architecture of Châtres

- by helping with the upkeep of the surrounding area, including the orchard

- by caring for the interior of the abbey church: the altar was created by a member of the association, the light fixtures along the nave and in the choir are the work of this same member of the association

- by working on the origins of the abbey's murals to understand their origins, those who designed them, and their motivations.

We always welcome new members with great pleasure, whether they come from here or from elsewhere.