religious treasures of the heart of brittany

Brittany continues to be renowned in France and elsewhere for the devotion of its inhabitants to the religious life. Bretons are proud to honor their many religious traditions.

Four Cistercian monasteries not far from La Prévenchère offer tours and retreats as well as ongoing activities.

• L’Abbaye de Bon Repos was founded in 1184; today it hosts art exhibitions and concerts as well as guided tours.
• Today’s pilgrims traveling to St. Jacques de Compostel often stay at La Prévenchère before their stop at l’Abbaye de Notre Dame de Timadeuc. L’Abbaye de Timadeuc offers retreats and visitors are welcome to join the monks in daily prayer.
• L’Abbaye de Boquen in Plenée Jugon is another active abbey that can be visited daily except during worship services.
• Located on the coast, l’Abbaye de Beauport in Paimpol is an absolutely beautiful site where roses and hydrangea grow in the ruins of this once prosperous abbey. Beauport is a site not to be missed!

Saints are of course venerated in Brittany and in many villages an annual celebration of patron saints — Le Pardon — takes place. The day begins with high mass at the local church and is followed by a procession through the town. Traditional Breton costumes and “coiffes” (headdresses) are worn. The afternoon is spent with friends and family; traditional Breton music fills the air and Bretons dance in the streets. These unique festivals, most of which take place from May to August, are absolutely wonderful and never to be forgotten!