The Community of the Ark is a small spiritual commune in southern France that was founded in 1948 by Lanza del Vasto. Lanza del Vasto was a non-violence activist and disciple of Mahatma Gandhi.^[1] During the 1970s, many of the communards, under the leadership of del Vasto, took a leading role in the civil disobedience campaign resisting the proposed extension of the military base on the Larzac plateau. ^[2] The campaign was ultimately triumphant.^{[citation needed]}

In the 1970s, the community spread to several locations, including Italy, Spain and Quebec. In the 1990s, some communities were closed due to conflicts and lack of new members.^{[citation needed]} In Southern France, the community is still active at La Borie Noble in the mountains of Occitanie, located between Beziers and Millau.^[3] The official site notes that the communities in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Brazil are still active.

• Community of the Ark, official site
• Island of Peace: Lanza del Vasto and the Community of the Ark
• Saint-Antoine L'Abbaye