Kibboutz Akiva
Auvergne, France
A communal living experiment inspired by the ideals of the disciples of Jesus and teachings from the Sinai revelation, centered on sharing life, material resources, work, and education in a spirit of fraternity.
Key facts
- Country: France
- Region: Auvergne
- Founded: 1969
- Members: 50
- Land size: Large rural property (exact size not publicly stated)
- Governance model: Decisions are made by a council or group of elders/leadership representing the community.
- Economy model: Shared economic resources with members working within the community, including involvement in a textile company supporting livelihoods.
- Ownership model: Full communal ownership (goods, salaries, resources are shared)
- Land tenure: Communal land holding (shared property)
- Legal structure: Community collective / cooperative (not publicly declared; typical kibbutz collectivist model)
- Membership status: Open (visitors accepted; open to new members)
- Status: active
- Website: https://www.kibboutz-akiva-auvergne.com/
About
A communal living experiment inspired by the ideals of the disciples of Jesus and teachings from the Sinai revelation, centered on sharing life, material resources, work, and education in a spirit of fraternity.
Full description
Founded in 1969 by Vincent and Albert Thibout, Kibboutz Akiva seeks to live out an ideal of communal abundance and shared life modeled on religious and biblical teachings. Its members share meals, raise children together, integrate work and daily rhythms, and strive toward deep interpersonal care, mutual growth, and a life of shared purpose. The community embraces human development through friendship, duty, and generosity, grounding its everyday life in both Jewish and Christian traditions while inviting others to participate in this life of shared meaning.